Family honours Lars Larsen with bronze sculpture

At the head office in Brabrand, the owner-family behind Lars Larsen Group and JYSK honours the founder of the company with a full-size bronze sculpture.

When you enter the reception at the head office of Lars Larsen Group and JYSK in Brabrand by Aarhus, you are welcomed by founder Lars Larsen in the form of "Købmanden" ("The Tradesman"), a bronze sculpture of natural size.

The sculpture was commissioned by his descendants, the Brunsborg-family, to honour Denmark’s famous tradesman, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 71. He was especially known for founding the successful retail chain JYSK, which today consists of more than 3,300 stores in 48 countries worldwide.

”The sculpture was created in loving memory of our father, spouse, and grandfather, whom we lost in 2019. It is a celebration of his successful tradesmanship and his strong set of values which continues to form the foundation of Lars Larsen Group and JYSK today,” says Jacob Brunsborg, son of Lars Larsen and Chairman of the Board of Lars Larsen Group.

The sculpture was created by the well renowned sculptor, Nanna Drewes Brøndum, who is the creator of other significant pieces, such as sculptures of former prime minister of Denmark Anker Jørgensen and the famous Danish actor and comedian Dirch Passer.

”Nanna Drewes Brøndum has created an amazing sculpture of my father, which embraces his personality and presence. She has managed to capture his down to earth attitude, his authority, and his determination. From the warm expression in his eyes to the hand in the pocket and the lace-less shoes – shoelaces were a waste of time, according to my father,” says Jacob Brunsborg.

Outgrowing the ‘nest’

The sculpture of Lars Larsen was unveiled at a festive employee event at the head office on Friday 18 August. The event also marked the completion of an extensive expansion and renovation of the head office.

Since the inauguration of the head office in 2002, three expansions have been made. The first time was in 2009 when an extra wing was added to the building. Eight years later, JYSK’s rapid growth required another expansion in the form of yet another wing. Finally, in 2019 it was decided to add two more wings to the building which were competed in 2022.

Upon the latest expansion, the last available square metres have been utilised at the premises in Brabrand, which currently house both JYSK and Lars Larsen Group. In February 2024, Lars Larsen Group will move to their own head office in Erhvervspark Silkeborg.

Facts about JYSK Head Office

• At the inauguration in 2002, JYSK Head Office comprised 5,000 square metres. Today, that number is 21,000 square metres.
• In 2002, the office was fit for the 120 administrative employees. In 2022, the head count was more than 500.
• In connection with the latest expansion, a big auditorium with room to seat up to 400 people was added to the head office.
• The head office also holds JYSK Museum, which tells the story of the ever-growing company.
• In the basement of the head office, a test store has been set up to resemble an average JYSK store. It is used to plan out the layout of the real stores.
• The employees at JYSK Head Office have access to a big canteen with its own kitchen and staff, as well as a modern fitness room, and a rooftop terrace.
• ‘Islands’ of green in organic shapes surround the enormous building to contrast the stringency of the architecture.