Richard Nissen

There were many companies producing teak housewares in the latter half of the 20th century, and the biggest by far was Dansk Designs. The originality and quality of the designs produced made them a sensation from their introduction in the 1950s well into the 1980s (and of course again today). The history of the company and the designer, Jens Quistgaard, is well-documented.

Less is written about the other companies that followed that trend. Companies such as Digsmed, Laurids Lonborg, Ernest Sohn and others all made interesting designs in teak over the years, but in my experience the company that really hit the mark on quality rivaling that of Dansk was Richard Nissen of Denmark. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to discover that they were, in manufacturing at least, the same company.

Nissen ice bucket and bowl, at the 2nd Hugh pop-up, 2010.

Open for Business

Hugh for the Holidays is open for business!  The shop maintains the Hugh late-to-bed, late-to-rise schedule, and you can find our hours over in the right-hand column. 

Because Hugh is jam-packed with great one-of-a-kind vintage stuff, the inventory is constantly changing.  Stop in each week to find something new.  Hell, stop in daily!  Here's a quick peek at some of the offerings.

Vintage Trays

Here's your Hugh style tip for the weekend:  vintage Scandinavian trays always look good, and once you've got them around you'll find they really make life easier.  Combine them with your other stylish housewares for maximum enjoyment.  The right combination also makes a great housewarming gift.

Vintage Swedish Laminated Teak Round Tray  $32

Titanium Crystal Cordial/Spirits Glasses  $14 ea

Arne Jacobsen "Royal" Bowl, polished stainless  $58

Vintage Stainless Steel Tray with Rosewood Handles  $18

Origo Striped Porcelain Bowl by iittala (Finland)  $16

"Pick Ups" (for eating or serving) from Design House Stockholm  $14 ea

Vintage Laminated Teak Rectangular Tray  $27

Vintage Swedish Stainless Divided Bowl  $7

Vintage Holmegaard (Denmark) Mouth-blown Pitcher  $35

Vintage Scandinavian Glass Cheese Tray  $22

Vintage Teak Hors d'Oeuvres Picks  $6

Vintage Swedish Small Stainless Tray  $4

Scandinavian Modern

Simple forms, honest materials.  Those are the calling cards of classic Scandinavian design. 

Vintage serving pieces in stainless steel and teak are masculine and classy.  Load up to do your entertaining right.  (Stainless $6-$18, Teak $36-$65).