'Svenskt Tenn: Another Context' Opens at Jacksons Design in Stockholm, Imagined by Halleroed

This fall, Svenskt Tenn: Another Context, an exhibition imagined by architects Christian and Ruxandra Halleroed, invites visitors to experience the dreamlike vision of Svenskt Tenn founder Estrid Ericson through a contemporary lens. Presented at Jacksons Design in Stockholm, the show transforms Svenskt Tenn’s legacy into an environment that borders on the sublime.

Founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn is more than a boutique—it’s a theater of design. Estrid’s cosmopolitan adventures across France, Italy, Mexico, and the US brought back treasures and inspiration, shaping a creative hub that influenced Swedish architects and designers. The brand’s evolution over the decades resembles a staged performance, where each era unveils new scenes.

Art critic Gothard Johansson captured this theatrical essence in 1937, writing, “If I were a theatre director, I would retain Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank immediately.”

Christian and Ruxandra Halleroed channel this dramatic heritage into surrealistic stage sets, offering a fresh perspective on Svenskt Tenn. “We wanted to show the works in a very contemporary and conceptual space, the opposite of where you usually find Svenskt Tenn furniture,” Halleroed explains. By juxtaposing Svenskt Tenn’s iconic pieces with bold textures and colors, the exhibition reimagines the brand’s identity, creating an exciting interplay between objects and their surroundings.

Three distinct rooms capture the rich evolution of Svenskt Tenn. The first room focuses on rectilinear lacquered furniture by Uno Ahrén and Björn Trägärdh, designs originally featured in the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition. Halleroed highlights these glossy black pieces as personal favorites, describing them as “equal parts sculpture and furniture.”

The second room bursts with the vibrancy of Josef Frank’s designs, marking his arrival at Svenskt Tenn in 1932. Graphically patterned cabinets and textiles showcase Frank’s transformative vision, blending flora, fauna, and prismatic energy to create a fresh and colorful approach.

The third room celebrates the pewter heritage that launched Svenskt Tenn. Featuring works by Estrid Ericson, Anna Petrus, Nils Fougstedt, and others, this space pays tribute to the timeless artistry of this versatile material.

Halleroed’s vision embraces Svenskt Tenn’s rich history while presenting it in a context that feels entirely new. Their careful balance of past and present offers visitors an immersive experience, blending surrealistic stagecraft with timeless elegance.

Svenskt Tenn: Another Context is on view at Jacksons Design, Sibyllegatan 53, Stockholm, through January 18, 2025. This exhibition promises to celebrate the artistry, heritage, and innovative spirit of one of Sweden’s most beloved design institutions.