The history of Fritz Hansen begins in 1872, where the enterprising cabinet maker Fritz Hansen obtains a trade license in Copenhagen. 1885 is a decisive year for the Nakskov native and he opens a furniture production company in his own name. Just two years later, his workshop in Christianshavn is thriving. From here, Fritz and his son Christian create high-quality furniture that will continue to define Fritz Hansen in the future.

The first fifty years of the company are defined by a long list of prestigious contracts that include producing furniture for the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court at Christiansburg Palace, the University Library, Copenhagen City Hall and other significant institutions.