Arne Ungermann (1902-1981)

‘Den Permanente’, “The Permanente Exhibition” (1956)

Lithographic poster

84 x 61 cm

The Danish artist Arne Ungermann designed this poster in 1956 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Den Permanente in Copenhagen. Den Permanente, or the Permanent Exhibition, celebrated Danish art, craft, and design, and operated between the 1930s and 1980s.

The Danish silversmith Kay Bojesen came up with the idea for the exhibition, which also served as a shop where customers could buy Danish art and crafts. Bojesen’s idea became a reality when Christian Grauballe, director of the iconic Danish design company Holmegaard, invested in it in 1931. Den Permanente became an icon of Danish 20th century design, selling furniture, glassware, lighting, ceramics, jewellery, and textiles. Bojesen is most famous for his wooden monkey design, which Ungermann features in his poster.

The motif of the mermaid emerging from the sea could be a motif drawn from Hans Christian Andersen, but made modern – she breaks the surface of the ocean in order to marvel at the treasure trove of man-made objects exhibited at Den Permanente. The notable Little Mermaid statue on Copenhagen’s promenade, installed in 1913, is also inspired by Andersen’s fairy tale.

If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.

Condition: Excellent.