Dining Table 1020
Svenskt Tenn On a Small Scale
Since the 1930s, the exhibition has been a temporary and ever-changing form of expression for Svenskt Tenn. The early exhibitions around the world laid the foundation for a creative direction, driving the development of new products and strengthening the firm’s reputation. Particularly significant was the Liljevalchs exhibition of 1934, when the collaboration with Josef Frank was introduced and a new era for the firm began. At the store on Strandvägen 5, Estrid Ericson also created seasonal exhibitions that introduced new designers and products – while at the same time inspiring new ideas about living and the home.
A tribute to the role of exhibitions in Svenskt Tenn’s history
In the autumn exhibition “Svenskt Tenn On a Small Scale,” on view at the store on Strandvägen 5 in Stockholm, nine historical exhibitions are recreated in miniature. The store is – then as now – a cultural hub for new ideas in design and manufacturing, and several of the products first shown in these exhibitions remain part of the assortment today.
The miniatures in the exhibition were created by Ray Atelier.
Designed with the idea that chairs should be lightweight and easy to move, Chair P5 was created by Josef Frank in the 1920s.
Exhibition view of Frankly Yours, India Mahdavi.
The Black Exhibition (Three Islands in the Black Sea) 2017, Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5
In response to the White Exhibition curated in the late 1990s, this exhibition by Svenskt Tenn’s Curator Karin Södergren explored the use of black and dark tones at Svenskt Tenn – from a range of textiles with black ground colour to the Dagg vase produced in black glass. The exhibition illustrated how Josef Frank’s designs can be continuously reinterpreted and reimagined to create new environments and emotions.
Designed in 1915 by sculptor Anders Jönsson, the beautiful and lifelike sculpture Jönsson’s Cat is sold exclusively at Svenskt Tenn..
Interior from The Black Exhibition, 2017.
Atelier, Jonny Johansson / Acne Studios 2009
Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5
In 2009, Jonny Johansson, founder and Creative Director of fashion brand Acne Studios, recreated his studio inside the store. Among other things, Johansson dressed Josef Frank’s dining chairs in old leather jackets and displayed personal objects and belongings that had influenced his creativity. This was the first exhibition initiated by Svenskt Tenn’s then Creative Director, Thommy Bindefeld.
Designed by Josef Frank in the 1930s, Cabinet 649 combines function with lightness. With glass sides and a form that adapts to floor, table or niche, it creates a light and airy impression.
Exhibition interior by Jonny Johansson, 2009
The White Exhibition 1998, Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5
This oasis of calm was created by Anki Linde, one of Svenskt Tenn’s in-store exhibition designers during CEO Ann Wall’s leadership, and references Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank’s use of white voile curtains to create a quiet backdrop. Reminiscent of the company’s early interiors, there are no patterned fabrics, only the natural tones of wood creating a sense of warmth and tranquillity.
To create contrast in form, Josef Frank often combined different woods and materials, as seen in this classic chair from 1925.
Inspired by Svenskt Tenn’s early interiors.
Josef Frank, 20 years at Svenskt Tenn, 1952, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
The fruitful collaboration with Josef Frank was celebrated with an exhibition of room settings at the National Museum. These presented the range and scope of Frank’s designs over the 20 years. The reviews praised his achievement and unique contribu