Who We Are
The Little Mermaid is the biggest small tourist attraction in Copenhagen harbor. Dedicated in 1913, it references the H.C. Andersen story in which a young mermaid leaves her home to live among mankind.
The story of Inger Berg and Jens Bruun in some ways parallels this classic tale. They too sought out a new life in a far away land. However, their story ends not in tragedy but in success, service and generosity.
As a reminder of their journey, Inger and Jens commissioned a small replica of the Little Mermaid to watch over their garden.
Inger Berg and Jens Bruun, were married in Denmark in 1957. They immigrated to Canada initially, but soon made their way south to the United States where in 1961, they settled in the rapidly growing city of Bellevue, Washington.
Although Jens came from a humble background, he was quite adept at business and had a keen eye for the clean lines and innovative styles of Scandinavian home furnishings. He and Inger set up the first Scan Design Furniture store in downtown Bellevue in 1964. Over time the business expanded to become a thriving retail enterprise serving customers in Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.
In 1971, Inger and Jens began a long relationship with the American - Scandinavian Foundation in New York with the goal of bringing Danish students to Seattle. The Trainees would work in the furniture stores, live with Inger and Jens in their home, and experience the American way of life. The first Danish trainee arrived in 1971. Over the next 30 years, Inger and Jens would bring 147 Danish trainees to Seattle.
Denmark continued to play an important role in their lives and occupied a very special place in their hearts. They visited Denmark numerous times, and the strong bonds that were formed with their Danish friends and relatives remained throughout their lives.
As their many friends will recall, Jens and Inger lived their lives with a zest, joy and appreciation for their good fortune that was an inspiration to all of those who knew them.
Inger and Jen's generous spirits live on in the efforts of this Foundation, and continue the legacy of caring and giving that were so much a part of their lives.
By Rosemary Jones
Danish immigrant Jens Bruun created the Scan Design furniture store chain in the 1960s with his wife Inger. They introduced countless Pacific Northwest families to mid-century modern ideals in chair design and more. These experiences inspired Jens to establish a foundation later in life to support Danish-American relations, scientific research, arts, and culture.
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Scan Design Foundation
The Scan Design Foundation by Inger & Jens Bruun was established by the Bruuns to promote and strengthen the relationship between their native Denmark and their adopted home, the United States.
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7724 35th Ave NE
Seattle, WA. 98115
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scandesignfonden.dk
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