Arne Häggqvist's Tie Collection

Arne Häggqvist (1911–1985) was undeniably one of the most colorful members of the Swedish translator community during his lifetime. According to legend, the drink, tie, and cultural icon had Sweden’s largest tie collection, and now it is Crafoord Auctioneers Stockholm’s great pleasure to showcase it!

His son Cyril shares:
“My father, Arne Häggqvist, collected ties almost all his life. His first tie as a teenager was yellow and blue, he mentions in what he called his socio-psychological book The Tie as Lust and Vice, published in 1978. He didn’t seem too proud of that tie, but his collection eventually grew to thousands, and the tie book is filled with fine images of ties from artists such as Enrico Baj, Marie-Louise Ekman, Roland Kempe, Picasso, and Hans Viksten. What he saw in ties was not just their aesthetics, which he highlighted in the book, but also their historical significance and symbolism, such as their phallic connotations. They were also somewhat of a weapon, effectively used in the pursuit of women and duels with rivals… In his memoir Almost the Whole Truth, he explains that, among all the books he wrote—such as The Biggest Cocktail Book, fact books on linguistics and bullfighting, reportage books, and travel guides from southern Europe and Latin America, along with translations of Nobel laureates like Hemingway, Jiménez, and Sartre (some of the ties he certainly wore at the Nobel banquets)—this book about ties was his 'favorite book.' Maybe it was because ties, along with drinks and women, were his great passions in life. I believe they formed some kind of trinity. It was as if they belonged together. What better complemented a tie during his life than a cocktail party?”

Cyril Hellman, Swedish author, journalist, filmmaker, and poet.

Arne Häggqvist was born on June 19, 1911, in Hagge, Dalarna. After graduating from high school in Västerås and embarking on a study trip to France, he pursued university studies in Uppsala, focusing on French, Nordic languages, and literary history, which evolved into a deeper interest in stylistic research. His literary and cultural interests continued to grow, and before long, Häggqvist became a literary critic for Aftontidningen, founded the art publisher Ars, and created the widely discussed debate club Club 44, which gathered numerous contemporary literary celebrities in Sweden. As a journalist, he interviewed figures such as Edith Piaf, Ernest Hemingway, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí, and he became acquainted with authors like Ivar Lo-Johansson, Harry Martinson, Eyvind Johnson, and Jan Fridegård. Häggqvist also championed a younger generation of writers, publishing their work in anthologies through Ars. In his essays, he vividly portrayed personalities such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Dalí, and published groundbreaking books on a wide range of subjects, including bullfighting, drinks, fashion, art, literature, and travel—but most notably, ties. Writers of the time reported on his colorful lifestyle and cosmopolitan knowledge.

Häggqvist was equally renowned for his work as a translator, handling key works of post-war literature from languages such as French, English, and Spanish, but also translating from Danish, Norwegian, Romanian, Turkish, and Arabic. His broad interests reflected a deep curiosity and passion for culture, internationalism, and the good life.

In the tie, Häggqvist found not only symbolism, aesthetics, history, and culture. This is reflected in the impressive collection we now proudly present, where sculptural pieces by artists such as Lasse Brander and Pavlos Dionyssopoulos (Greece) coexist with unique hand-crafted ties in various materials from around the world, designer ties from the most exclusive fashion houses of the time, typical Spanish suede ties, Chinese silk ties, and Scottish clan ties. Wide or narrow, patterned or modest, this collection elevates the tie to more than just a garment.

For art lovers, there are ties and works by various artists, including sketches by Picasso over lunch with the French fashion designer Jean-Claude d’Ahetze (whose work is also found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY), numbered and unique pieces by Enrico Baj, Andy Strüwer, Marie-Louise Ekman, and Häggqvist’s personal favorite—a wooden tie by the artist Åke Wasén.

For fashion enthusiasts, there is a vast array of glamour, elegance, eccentricity, and playfulness, including pieces from Lanvin’s own archives. Noteworthy are the ties Häggqvist acquired during his travels or received as gifts from his extensive network, from India to Lebanon, Guatemala, and the Philippines. One particularly special gift is a Balinese batik tie, given to Häggqvist in Bali in 1971 by the former king, Agung Sukawati of Ubud.

With that, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the rich world of ties!