Risom began his formal studies in furniture design under the direction of Ole Wanscher at Kunsthåndvaerkerskolen, the School for Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen.  From 1935 – 1938, along with classmates Hans Wegner and Borge Mogensen, Risom learned the value of simplicity and utility from master craftsmen like Kaare Klint who also headed up the furniture school at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

1935 private commission: Mahogany vanity by Jens Risom

The enduring influence of good Danish design can be traced back to the efforts of dedicated craftsmen and designers who firmly believed in the value of sharing the techniques and aesthetics of their crafts to aspiring young students.

Early Free-lance Years

Risom created several furniture designs for Gustav Weinreich of A/S Normina in Copenhagen.  These early designs for Normina were shown in 1937 at the Cabinetmaker's Guild Exhibition.

           
Jens Risom designs for Danish furniture company, A/S Normina, shown at the 1937 Exhibition