Three designs for the Icelandic flag made in the early 20th century are now on display for the first time. The flags are being shown at the Embassy of Iceland in Copenhagen, Denmark to mark the centennial anniversary of Iceland’s sovereignty. RÚV reported first.
A flag committee was formed in 1913 to oversee the design of a flag for Iceland. In 1914, they made a call for submissions from the public. The committee received a total of 28 designs, and Iceland’s current flag was chosen from the group.
Graphic Designer Hörður Lárusson has researched and realized three suggested flag designs for the exhibit. The first is a geometric design created by Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972). The second is a design by His Majesty Christian X, King of Denmark from 1918 to 1944 and the only King of Iceland. The design was recently found in a journal belonging to the King, who never formally submitted it for consideration. The third flag on display is a ‘backup’ design which was prepared in case Christian X rejected the committee’s first choice.
Hörður has also published a book on the suggested flag designs. “I have wanted to add to our knowledge of the flag and its use a little bit. We actually use the flag very little and I think there is in many ways a certain fear. I’m of the opinion that we should use the flag as often as we can. We should simply respect it. It’s a symbol of our nation and it’s just good to cherish it.”
The exhibit was officially opened yesterday and runs until September 5, 2018.
