Anker Bak
Design that makes a difference in people’s lives
With his unconventional background and personal design approach, Anker Bak pushes conceptual and physical boundaries via quality materials, craftsmanship and clever functionality.
Bak’s (b. 1983) creative path began as a child when he started carpentry lessons as an artistic outlet to help him focus in school. In his grandfather’s workshop in Sweden, Bak’s ability to work with his hands and wood became apparent. Later educated at a boatyard producing specialty fittings for yachts, he qualified as a cabinetmaker, winning a silver medal for his skill.
After his apprenticeship, Bak went traveling to pursue his passion for alpine climbing. He began to study production technology, working with different designers and within different industries. Ultimately, however, it was woodwork and cabinetmaking that won Bak over. After six months working in a carpentry workshop in Hawaii, he returned to Denmark, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in furniture design from VIA University College.
The unorthodox designer gained attention after revitalizing the concept of a standard crutch, creating a form-pressed wooden crutch when his 91-year-old grandmother needed some support when out socializing. Bak later developed the Rocking Nest Chair when his sister needed a comfortable place to relax with her newborn baby. This design with its distinct, minimalist, folding form demonstrates Bak’s understanding of materials, function and aesthetics, as well as society’s changing needs.
Bak was named the Danish Champion in cabinetmaking in 2002. He won the Danish Design Talent title in 2014, and is the winner of Next Project in 2015. He has also received grants from The National Bank of Denmark’s Anniversary Foundation, the Danish Trade Council’s Foundation, and the Danish Arts Foundation, among others.
Our designers
When you choose a product from Carl Hansen & Søn, you get more than just a piece of furniture. You will become part of a long and proud tradition of beautiful and distinctive craftsmanship where nothing is left to chance. We are the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture designed by Hans J. Wegner, and we also produce furniture created by renowned furniture designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen, Ole Wanscher, Kaare Klint, Poul Kjærholm, Bodil Kjær and Tadao Ando. Carl Hansen & Søn represents more than 100 years of Danish design history, and our furniture is sold worldwide.
* Five-year warranty on indoor furniture. Two-year warranty on outdoor furniture