Making its debut during Clerkenwell Design Week, the new Carl Hansen & Son showroom in London’s Clerkenwell neighborhood showcases three floors of Danish design and high-quality Scandinavian furniture. Housed in a historic building that once belonged to James Johnstone, former owner of the Morning Herald and Evening Standard newspapers, the space combines retail display with gallery areas and a dedicated floor featuring works by the renowned cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen. Founded in Copenhagen in 1869 by Rudolph Rasmussen, Rud. Rasmussen became part of Carl Hansen & Son in late 2011.
The London showroom presents an array of iconic designs, including Hans J. Wegner’s signature Wishbone Chair, Ole Wanscher’s Colonial Chair and Frits Henningsen’s Heritage Chair. From Rud. Rasmussen, visitors can explore classic pieces such as Kaare Klint’s Faaborg Chair, the Mogens Koch Bookcase System and the Professor Desk by Poul Kjærholm. Together these collections highlight a long tradition of craftsmanship and timeless Scandinavian design.
Located in the heart of Clerkenwell, the showroom complements Carl Hansen & Son’s international network of flagship stores, which includes locations across Denmark and in Norway, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The London space is arranged to offer both private consultations and open gallery viewing, providing architects, designers and design enthusiasts a place to experience original pieces in a setting that honors their history and construction.
Carefully curated displays emphasize material quality and joinery, with wooden surfaces, woven seats and hand-finished details shown in context. The Rud. Rasmussen floor showcases traditionally made cabinets and seating alongside restored and reissued classics, illustrating how heritage techniques continue to inform contemporary production. The showroom’s gallery areas also allow rotating exhibitions and collaborations that explore the cultural and historical dimensions of Danish design.
Visitors to the showroom can expect knowledgeable staff who can explain the provenance of each piece, advise on specifications and finishes, and support custom orders or contract projects. The space functions as both a retail environment and an educational resource, making it suitable for collectors, interior professionals and anyone with an interest in authentic Scandinavian furniture.
By bringing these historic and contemporary pieces together under one roof, the Carl Hansen & Son London showroom celebrates a legacy of design that balances aesthetics, comfort and enduring construction. It offers a tangible experience of furniture designed to last generations, presented in a setting that respects the craftsmanship and stories behind each piece.