key figures
Your guide to architects, designers and artists that contributed to the refined style of Swedish Grace
The Swedish Grace movement of the 1920s was a remarkable period in design history, showcasing Sweden’s unique blend of neoclassicism, Art Deco influences and distinctly Nordic aesthetics. Characterized by its elegant forms and functional beauty, Swedish Grace left an indelible mark on architecture, furniture design, glasswork, and decorative arts.
The 1925 Paris World Exhibition played a crucial role in launching Swedish design onto the international stage, with some of the artists and designers listed below contributing to Sweden’s unprecedented success at the Paris event. This influential event established Sweden as a leading force in design and craftsmanship.
This list showcases the key figures who contributed to creating an international phenomena known as the Swedish Grace style beyond the Paris exhibition.
ARCHITECTS AND FURNITURE DESIGNERS
Carl Bergsten
Designed the Swedish National Pavilion for the 1925 Paris World Exhibition, which took the form of a white neo-Greek temple with Ionic columns. His innovative architectural style exemplified the principles of Swedish Grace, merging classical elements with modern sensibilities.
→ For more on Bergsten’s work, see: “Med egna vågor om Carl Bergsten arkitekt 1879-1935“
Gunnar Asplund
A prominent architect who contributed to furnishing the Swedish Pavilion at the 1925 Paris Exhibition. His designs emphasized simplicity and functionality while maintaining a strong aesthetic appeal. He’s also known for his famous Senna armchair.
→ Explore Asplund’s legacy in: “Gunnar Asplund’s Gothenburg: The Transformation of Public Architecture in Interwar Europe” by Nicholas Adams
Carl Malmsten
Renowned furniture designer who helped furnish the Swedish Pavilion in Paris. Malmsten’s work is celebrated for its craftsmanship and timeless elegance, reflecting the core values of the Swedish Grace movement.
→ Learn more about Malmsten’s designs in: “Möbler människor : Carl Malmsten – Furniture Studies” by Gunilla Kindstrand
Axel Einar Hjorth
Created exquisite furniture that was showcased at the 1929 Barcelona exhibition, further cementing Sweden’s reputation in design. His pieces often combined playful designs with practical functionality, embodying the spirit of Swedish Grace.
→ Discover Hjorth’s work in: “Axel Einar Hjorth : möbelarkitekt” by Christian Björk, Eric Ericson, Thomas Ekström
Carl Hörvik
Designed furniture for the 1925 Paris Exhibition, with some pieces now in the Stockholm National Museum collection. Hörvik’s work is a testament to the innovative spirit of Swedish design during this transformative era.
→ For a comprehensive look at Swedish furniture design, including Hörvik’s contributions, read: “Swedish Modern: A Colouring Book of Magical Interiors“ by Janet Colletti
GLASSWORK AND CERAMICS
Simon Gate
Designed Baroque-inspired covered urns for the entrance hall of the Swedish Pavilion and created engraved glasswork for Orrefors. Gate’s glass designs showcased intricate craftsmanship that highlighted Sweden’s prowess in glass artistry during the 1920s.
→ Explore Gate’s glasswork in: “Orrefors Glass“ by Alastair Duncan
Edward Hall
Contributed elegant engraved glassware that gained international recognition at the Paris Exhibition. His work played a significant role in promoting Swedish glass design on a global scale, influencing future generations of artisans.
→ For more on Hald and Swedish glass: “Edward Hald : målare, konstindustripionjär” by Nationalmuseum and here on Auctionet
Wilhelm Kåge
Created ceramics for Gustavsberg that were showcased at the Paris Exhibition. Kåge’s ceramics are known for their vibrant colors and innovative forms, reflecting the artistic trends of the time.
→ Read about Kåge’s impact in: “Wilhelm Kåge” by Gisela Erin
DECORATIVE ARTS AND METAL WORK
Estrid Ericson
A pioneering designer and entrepreneur who founded the interior decorating company Svenskt Tenn in 1924. Known for her innovative approach to pewter art and her ability to curate beautiful interiors, she played a crucial role in the Swedish Grace movement. Her collaborations with various artists and designers, including Josef Frank, helped establish Svenskt Tenn as a hub of creativity and modern design. Her notable designs include pewter objects, furniture, and interior accessories and home decor for Svenskt Tenn. See also Nils Fougstedt.
→ Read about Estrid Ericson in: “Founder of Svenskt Tenn” by Monica Boman
Nils Fougstedt
Sculptor and craftsman who worked primarily in pewter, creating engraved scenes of figures and animals. He co-founded Svenskt Tenn with Estrid Ericson. Fougstedt’s contributions to decorative arts helped elevate Swedish craftsmanship to new heights during this period.
Learn more about Svenskt Tenn and its founders in: “Svenskt Tenn: A Passion for Design” by Per H. Börjesson
→ For more on Nils Fougstedt read here on Auctionet
Anna Petrus
Known for her works for Svenskt Tenn, including the Planter No. 1 designed for Näfveqvarn in 1925. Her designs exemplify the fusion of functionality and beauty that defines Swedish Grace aesthetics.
→ Discover Petrus’s work in: “Anna Petrus : skulptör, industrikonstnär och pionjär / Anna Petrus : sculptor, designer and pioneer” by Marie Rehnberg
Uno Åhrén
His “Lady’s Salon” installation at the Paris Exhibition was highly admired and considered an international highlight of the decade. Åhrén’s work showcased how interior design could create harmonious living spaces reflective of contemporary artistic trends.
→ Read about him in “Uno Åhrén: en föregångsman inom 1900-talets arkitektur och samhällsplanering” by Eva Rudberg
TEXTILE DESIGN
Märta Maas-Fjetterström
A pivotal figure in Swedish textile design during this period, revolutionizing carpet and textile design. Known for adding blend of traditional techniques and modern aesthetics in her textile creations. Her textiles remain highly sought after today, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Swedish craftsmanship.
→ Read about Maas-Fjetterström’s legacy in: “Var vid gott mod : en bok om konstnären fröken Märta Måås-Fjetterström“ by Annica Persson
