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With a love of craftsmanship

Experts in paper folding

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At the beginning of the 20th century, oil lamps – together with all their disadvantages – were still the norm in Danish households. In an effort to improve interior lighting, architect and civil engineer Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint made a lampshade from folded paper for a clay paraffin lamp. The shade was designed to diffuse the bright light emitted by the flame, while keeping the paper far enough away from the hot glass around the flame. The solution, born out of necessity, has since been developed by the Le Klint company into a true art form. The lamps produced at the factory in Odense, Denmark, are miniature masterpieces that showcase the very best of lampshade origami.

The pleated lampshade of Lamella 1 is inspired by the fine, curved lines on the underside of a mushroom cap (lamella), creating an organic yet precise silhouette.

Inspired by the delicate, curved lines on the underside of a mushroom cap (lamellae), Lamella 1’s pleated lampshade has an organic yet precisely defined silhouette. The pendant lamp is crafted using the traditional, patented PLICA technique, resulting in the beautiful and detailed folds that are the hallmarks of the design.  Copyright: Le Klint

From family hobby to business

In the early 1900s, the Klint family took up the hobby of making lampshades using the cross-pleating paper-folding technique invented by Jensen-Klint. The entire family, including sons Tage and Kaare Klint, spent years crafting ever more sophisticated designs. The artistic creativity and inventiveness of the family laid the foundation for what would become a lighting company spanning several generations.

One of the first Le Klint lampshades was directly based on Jensen-Klint’s early pleated designs from 1901. However, Tage Klint added a crucial element to the lampshade in the form of a special grip collar that uses the elasticity of the shade to attach it to a stand. The design principle was patented back in 1938. In fact, all that has changed about Model 1 since the Le Klint company was founded in 1943 is the technology involved in the light source and socket.

Since 1972, the brand has been in the sole ownership of the Klint Foundation, the establishment of which was a clever and visionary decision. It has safeguarded the continued existence of the company as a as a provider of jobs in Denmark with a focus on craftsmanship and design. In addition to running the business, the purpose of the foundation is to provide financial support to young people undertaking training in the manufacturing sector and skilled trades.

Seit 1972 ist der Le Klint Fond der alleinige Eigentümer der Marke. Die Gründung war ein kluger und visionärer Schritt. Sie hat die kontinuierliche Existenz des Unternehmens als dänischer Arbeitsplatz mit Schwerpunkt auf Handwerk und Design gesichert. Der Zweck der Stiftung ist neben dem Betrieb des Unternehmens die finanzielle Unterstützung junger Menschen, die eine Ausbildung in der Industrie und im Handel verfolgen.

Two women fold the slats for a Le Klint lampshade.

Over the years, the designers’ model layouts have been brought to life thanks to the incredible dexterity of the folding technicians. They are consulted whenever new ideas need to be translated into the actual production process. Copyright: Le Klint

The dexterity of the folding technicians

Le Klint’s folding technicians are in a class of their own. Nowhere else in the world but Odense has the craft of folding lampshades been preserved. It takes about a year for a folder to learn the technique and up to three years to master all the models in the Le Klint range. Many engineers have tried to create machines to do the task, but it proved too difficult, so the craft has never been at risk.

Three hand-folded lampshades from Le Klint hang in a very cosy room. The lamp is called model 105 and was designed by Mogens Koch.

In 1942, Mogens Koch designed Model 105 for an exhibition of Danish craftsmanship in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2023, the design was reissued by Le Klint as part of its anniversary year celebrations. Copyright: Le Klint

A world of light

Since Le Klint was founded more than 80 years ago, the company has developed a host of different models. In collaboration with renowned architects and designers, it has created pendant lights, ceiling lamps, wall lights, floor lamps, table lamps and enchanting lampshades.

In 2023, for example, Le Klint introduced its Model 105 Anniversary lamp. Model 105’s oval shape gives it a calm appearance and is reminiscent of traditional Japanese paper lanterns. Its closed form also makes it ideal for hanging at height. The pendant lamp is now available in two standard sizes and two XL versions, each with brass suspension fittings.

The minimalist and elegant appearance of the Celine pendant light, which hangs in the centre of a coffee table in the photo, is inspired by the original architecture of the Designmuseum Danmark.

Celine is a tribute to Designmuseum Danmark and Danish architect Kaare Klint, who had a huge influence on Danish design. The pendant light’s minimalist and elegant looks are inspired by Designmuseum Danmark’s original architecture. Copyright: Le Klint

In 2024, Model 105 was followed by Celine, designed by OEO Studio. With an outer frame made of solid brass and a pleated inner shade, the pendant lamp casts a beautiful, soft light that is perfect for living rooms, kitchens, above dining tables or in offices.

Model 1 from Le Klint was skilfully staged at the ORGATEC trade fair. It reflects the over 100-year tradition of Le Klint's cross pleated blind technology.

Model 1 was showcased to great effect at the ORGATEC trade fair. It embodies the cross-pleating technique used by Le Klint for over 100 years. Copyright: Koelnmesse

Although recent launches have included lamps such as Spot or Carronade that don’t feature the cross-pleating technique, the art of folding is still the heart and soul of the Le Klint company. What began over 100 years ago with an idea conceived at the family dining table has left a lasting impression on “Made in Odense” design history.