A century-old phenomenon is being celebrated this year, and anyone with an eye for interior design can't have missed it. Firma Svenskt Tenn, turning 100, is as vibrant as ever, and two remarkable things stand out. First, what was modern then remains modern today. Second, this extraordinary and almost fairy-tale company history is the result of two vastly different yet incredibly powerful forces brought together.
It all began in 1924 when Estrid Ericson opened a small shop offering high-quality decorative pewter items. These were soon complemented by strictly modernist furniture, a winning combination that transformed when Austrian architect and designer Josef Frank joined in the 1930s. Frank revolutionized the interiors of Svenskt Tenn with an explosion of color, form, and pattern, challenging conventional design ideals.
The rest, as they say, is history—international design history, to be precise. Now, as part of the celebrations, Auktionshuset Kolonn presents over 50 lots under the fitting title Decorative details from Strandvägen. Here we find a mix of delicate pewter items, Josef Frank’s iconic textiles, Estrid Ericson’s elephants, some upholstered furniture, and charming pieces for a beautifully set table. The selection also includes lighting, a classic serving cart, and even a well-timed Christmas stocking (because we’re almost there, aren’t we?).
