Birger Dahl

Birger Dahl

Birger Dahl is a trailblazer of Scandinavian lighting design. He designed the beloved pendant light Dokka . His charming works are characterized by simple shapes and outstanding functionality. Today, accurate re-editions of his internationally famous lights are sold by the design label Northern, with continuing success.

The designer was born in the southern part of Norway in 1916 and learned his trade at the Art School of Oslo, also taught by Arne Korsmo, a leading architect of Norway and a representant of International Style. Birger Dahl was soon influenced by modern art movements and developed his still-popular lamps during his time working at Sønnico from 1945 to 1957. Birger Dahl did not only create design objects but also contributed to the fame of Scandinavian style in America. From 1957 to 1959, with the exhibition "Scandinavian Design", he presented objects with a typically Scandinavian, pared-down style to an American audience. The exhibition was met with positive reactions and helped established Skandinavian design across the country.

Designs by Birger Dahl are typical for the Scandinavian style. Reduced, geometric shapes like circles, cylinders or cones make up his signature style. The objects are pared-down, yet exude elegance and an air of high quality. Birger Dahl gives as much attention to the quality of the materials as to the functionality and the demands of mass-production. He always wanted to create lights accessible to a large audience.

The Dokka pendant light has known an incredible success. Dokka was the first Norwegian light ever to win the gold medal at the Triennale of Milan in 1954 and has been one of the bestselling Norwegian design lights ever since. The stylish Birdy table lamp has become a timeless classic which exudes lightness and straightforwardness. The lights designed by Birger Dahl are now sold in high quantities by the Norwegian design company Northern in re-editions true to the old original.

Birger Dahl passed away on August 12, 1998 in Oslo.

Birger Dahl: Popular Lights & Lamps Collections