The Exquisite World of Svenskt Tenn
Sweden is well-known for great design, particularly the simple, minimalist lines and shapes, neutral hues, light and airy spaces, and understated aesthetic which are prevalent in Scandinavian design. But step inside one of Sweden’s most celebrated design shops and you’ll enter a world of bold color, heaps of bold and cheerful textile patterns inspired by nature and botany, furniture pieces at once modern yet classic, lamps and glasswork that are pure art, and a plethora of tableware, home decor, jewelry and more. As you glide from one jewel box room to another, your eyes are continually moving from one gorgeous object to another, some designed in the 1930’s-40’s and still in production and others designed today by some of the most talented Swedish designers in the country. It is a treasure trove of beauty and inspiration, at odds with modern Scandinavian design but unique because it is steeped in history yet relevant and desirable by collectors and design aficionados around the world.
A brief introduction into this fascinating company and its history:
Estrid Ericson, an art teacher and pewter artist, launched Svenskt Tenn (“Swedish Pewter”) in Stockholm in 1924 in order to make and sell her pewter objets d’ art. She was a true visionary. The company soon expanded to include furniture and interior design, and Ms. Ericson collaborated with a variety of hand-selected artists and designers. Meanwhile, Josef Frank, a renowned Austrian architect and former professor of Building Design at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, left Austria for Stockholm with his Swedish wife, Anna, to escape the antisemitism that was expanding in Austria. He was known for his unique style of modernism, embracing color, comfort and artistic style. He joined Svenskt Tenn in 1934 as chief designer. Together, Ms. Ericson and Professor Frank’s brilliant collaboration, which spanned decades, created a unique design aesthetic combining a mix of classic and modern design, exuberant color, nature- inspired patterns and simple forms to create an exclusive collection of furniture, lighting, textiles, wallpaper, as well as accessories. Professor Frank left upwards of 2000 furniture sketches and 160 textile prints with the company and remains one of Sweden’s most influential designers in history. Many of his creations are still in production.
Ms. Ericson remained at the helm of her company until 1975, when it was sold to the Kjell and Märta Beijer Foundation, with a promise to preserve her vision for Svenskt Tenn. 45 years the foundation continues making good on their promise by not only preserving the company’s core values established at the very beginning, but by donating ALL profit to research in the areas of environmental sustainability, genetics, biomedicine and pharmaceuticals. Truly remarkable!
Learn more about this wonderful company by reading my interview with Thommy Bindefeld, Svenskt Tenn’s Marketing and Creative Director, in the Summer 2020 – Sweden issue of The Loaded Trunk by subscribing here to receive the full issue as well as access to the entire library.
Visit the shop & tea room in Stockholm: Strandvägen 5, 114 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: svenskttenn.se/en
Instagram: @svenskttenn
