Vitsœ (pronounced 'Vit-sue') was the name of the company's Danish founder, Niels Wiese Vitsœ (1913-1995, see photograph).

While selling Danish furniture in post-war Germany, this man of immense charm, grace, determination and dry wit was introduced to a youthful Dieter Rams by fellow designer Otto Zapf.

In 1959 they founded a company called 'Vitsœ+Zapf' to realise Rams's furniture ideas. (Erwin and Arthur Braun had concluded, with some foresight, that it could only be good for Braun if Rams were allowed to develop his other talents simultaneously.)

Otto Zapf left the company in 1970 and it became 'Vitsœ' (formally called 'Wiese Vitsœ'). A distinguished showroom opened in the heart of Frankfurt which became an important meeting (and dining) room for the world's design literati.

In 1985 the Dane and German were introduced to a Briton, Mark Adams, who set up Vitsœ Ltd in London.

On the retirement of Niels Vitsœ, Adams became managing director of Wiese Vitsœ and subsequently the corporate seat and production moved to London from where the international market could best be served.

Since 1997 Vitsœ has developed the US market with Moss from shops in New York and, more recently, Los Angeles. In 2004 Vitsœ opened at 72 Wigmore Street in the heart of London's West End.

Dieter Rams continues to work closely with Vitsœ as the products are evolved and new markets are developed.

Anthea Bain interviewed Niels Vitsœ in 1987