Hans Olsen was born in Denmark in 1919 and trained as a cabinetmaker before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art. Hans studied under Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy's Furniture School and had a particular passion for ergonomics and the study of human body measurement.
In 1953 Olsen set up his own studio where he designed and produced a series of exciting pieces in a distinctive style, exhibiting them at the annual fairs of the Cabinetmakers Guild in Copenhagen.