FSB 1144 – a contemporary classic
The genesis of a modern classic
There's a young man sitting at a table, resting his chin on his hand. His gaze is deep and self-assured, as if he already knows... The metal object casually lying on the table before him is his first industry order - a door handle that later made its way into design history books and brought fame to the London-born designer's name.
The FSB 1144 handle created by Jasper Morrison is a vivid illustration of the designer's impeccable sense of form: a straight, clean profile with an organic, rounded grip. The harmonious result quickly became an award-winning success that paved the way for Morrison's brilliant career as a furniture and product designer.
On becoming a brand
When the photograph was published for advertising, Morrison was just thirty years old, and the world barely knew him. Yet he seems to almost radiate the confidence in his future success, and the slogan added to the advert for German fittings manufacturer FSB Franz Schneider Brakel follows the tone:
"I hope you like it, what’s more I hope you buy it!"
1144 – more than a handle
The FSB series 1144 was first presented in 1990 at the International Hardware Fair in Cologne. The model was made of aluminium and comprised an extensive matching product collection: door handle, window handle, handle for framed doors, wall and floor doorstops, furniture fittings, hat and coat hooks.
Jasper Morrison gave the handle two faces: the front is shaped like a wedge, while from another angle the grip comes to the fore with its broad, flat and rounded end.
This duality forms a surprisingly harmonious look and ergonomic comfort.
Awards and international success
The FSB 1144 series were a quick success. In 1991, it won the Staatspreis of the German federal state of North Rhine–Westphalia, and the next year it received the German Product Design Award.
Later that year, the Hanover Industry Forum praised FSB 1144 as one of the top ten products of the year.
The German financial newspaper Handelsblatt wrote: "An authoritative design of the best modern provenance... that has every hope of breaking out of the small circle of design freaks into the hearts of the masses."
Soon enough, international acclaim followed. In 1991, a four-column article appeared in The London Times with the title "A door handle on the future", while in 1992, the product collection was presented to the readership of the prestigious Italian architecture and design magazine Domus. Just five years after the launch of the handle, British journalist and design expert Alice Rawsthorn deemed the design a classic.
Design that transcends time
FSB 1144 is more than just a door handle – it illustrates the impact a design can have on both our everyday lives and cultural heritage. Jasper Morrison's creation is a striking example of how seemingly simple objects, when designed masterfully, can become true icons. Everything started with a single photo, a single look, and a single bold design.
Today, 35 years after the launch of the handle, it still holds its relevance and popularity – not only among architects and design professionals, but also in private interiors. It is one of the few industrial products that, from a bold premiere, does not slowly fade into obsolescence but continues to grow and inspire.
Now, the handle FSB 1144 is also available in elegant black and raw aluminium finish. Black suits modern minimalist interiors, while raw aluminium beautifully complements the industrial style. The popularity of the new finishes bears evidence of the design's ability to follow contemporary trends without compromising its authenticity.
