Benny Frandsen’s legacy is a story of light and design, but also of the enduring power of vision, dedication and collaboration.
Driven by his passion for innovation, Benny's creative impulse led to the production of numerous design classics such as the Ball, Benjamin and BF Quadro luminaires.
Meet Inge and Peter Frandsen, wife and son of Benny, who gives a special insight to Benny’s life.
/Benny Frandsen, Founder of FRANDSEN
Introducing / The Story Behind
Benny's journey into the world of lighting was sparked by his early career as an electrical engineer. While working for a sound company servicing theatres in Denmark, it was here that the first ideas for his luminaire designs came to life. Fondly reminiscing about his father's relentless pursuit of new ideas, which often struck at the most unexpected moments, Benny's son, Peter Frandsen, tells of his father’s obsession with form and function:
"For Benny, crafting a beautiful design was only half the equation; the other half lay in ensuring that his creations delivered exceptional illumination", Peter says.
Understanding that light has the ability to inspire emotional experience, Benny’s unique vision underlined the importance of human interaction within architectural space. However, that’s not to say that the journey wasn't without its challenges. The tale of Benny's first light, the BF Quadro, with its avant-garde design and production hurdles, serves as a testament to Benny's unwavering commitment to innovation - even in the face of adversity.
Throughout the subsequent six decades, Benny carved out an enduring legacy of iconic products.
“He created lamps and he dreamt about lamps. That was his life”, says Inge Frandsen.
/ Inge Frandsen and Peter Frandsen
Introducing / The Heritage
Beyond his individual design achievements, Benny was also a great believer in the power of collaboration. Always welcoming countless designers and new perspectives into the company, Benny’s encouragement of collaboration and creativity ultimately made Frandsen into the multifaceted brand that it is today.
“It’s great to see new designers coming in and shining under a brand with such an established design tradition,” says Peter. “This aligns well with what Benny would have done if he were still here.”
As Benny's luminaire designs continue to grace homes and spaces around the globe, his unique spirit remains a guiding light for the company, which is still based in Benny’s hometown in Horsens, Denmark.
