Made in Denmark: Production history as cultural heritage and sustainable literacy

Danish design is internationally recognised - but the production culture that made it possible has largely disappeared from our collective awareness.

Made in Denmark explores this lost world of production within Danish borders that, through its international reach, made Danish design an icon. The project examines how production has shaped design, quality, and use.

Through interviews with former employees and consumers, we uncover hidden stories and valuable knowledge about materials, durability, resources, and use. This is complemented by the museums’ collections and archival materials, which document the production of textiles, metalware, and ceramics.

Why does it matter?

The automatization and outsourcing of Danish industrial production in the second half of the twentieth century have created a growing distance between people and production. Today, many people have very limited knowledge of how products are made - weakening our understanding of quality, materials, and maintenance.

This lack of insight also makes it difficult to make informed and responsible consumer choices.

The project therefore contributes to an important conversation about how we, as contemporary consumers, can understand and engage with concepts such as sustainability and production and how we can help shape the future of design with care for both people and the environment. 

Relevance and urgency 

The project is timely, as it seeks to preserve knowledge from a generation with first-hand experience of production in Denmark. This knowledge is essential for understanding past practices and for informing future choices.