The Light from Swedish Grace to Swedish Modern

Description

It was amidst the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties that "Swedish Grace" was born. A vast array of historical and exotic styles lay like a smorgasbord before Swedish architects, artists, and designers, who drew upon them to craft a decorative elegance rarely seen before or since. The term "Swedish Grace," however, was coined retroactively by architectural critic Philip Morton Shand. Having been captivated by the decoratively engraved glass and intricate wood marquetry showcased by the Swedes at the 1925 Paris Exposition, he was equally struck by the contrasting, forward-looking funkis (functionalism) that emerged just five years later at the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition. Several Swedish designers were at the forefront of the revolutionary restraint introduced by functionalism—most notably the architect Gunnar Asplund, who served as chief architect for the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition. Yet, other designers, such as Bruno Mathsson and Josef Frank, felt that functionalism lacked a certain sense of coziness. This led to the development of "Swedish Modern"—a new take on functionalism characterised by softer lines and warm-toned woods. It drew inspiration from the sculptural qualities of Swedish Grace while shedding its ornamental flourishes. When this style was presented at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the American press dubbed it "Swedish Modern," marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Swedish design. During seasons when the cold outdoors is as much a given as the time we spend indoors, we at Formstad invite you to admire lighting from the internationally renowned design eras of Swedish Grace and Swedish Modern—with Functionalism serving as the connecting link. From Edward Hald and Erik Tidstrand to Harald Notini, this auction takes you on a journey through the history of style. Regardless of which early 20th-century Swedish style you find most compelling, this auction offers you the chance to fully embrace the way these styles celebrate the concept of "home."Show more

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