Nordic Modernism 2015
April 27 - June 20
Jacksons presents 'Nordic Modernism', an exhibition that explores early Functionalist traditions of Scandinavia.
Whereas Bauhaus architects and designers spurned historical developments and advocated materials such as tubular steel and rigid forms to meet the needs of mass production, their Scandinavian counterparts in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland adopted a distinct humanist view by combining international modernist principles with regional craft traditions.
Swedish pioneer Axel Einar Hjorth passionately promoted the adoption of functionalism in Scandinavia. Parallel to the launch of Nordic Modernism at the Stockholm Exhibition 1930, Hjorth was commissioned to design the interior of the Tösse bakery, several original chairs from which are on display at Jackson Design.
The pre-war furniture, textiles, and lighting in the exhibition illustrate key features of a uniquely Scandinavian approach to Modernism.
PH Tennis Lamp. Poul Henningsen. Produced by Louis Poulsen. 1927. The final shape of this lamp was the result of a series of tests Poul Henningsen carried out with tennis player Einar Middleboe. The lamps were installed in the Københavns Boldklubs indoor tennis court. Provenance: Collection Poul Henningsen. Ref. 15248.
Left. Unique Sven Markelius Desk. Produced by NK. 1930s. Macassar ebony, nickel-plated fitments. Markelius designed this unique desk for personal use in his home in Nockeby, Stockholm. He later gave the desk to artist Vicke Lindstrand. Ref. 8561.
Ideal Table. Otto Wretling. 1930s. Rosewood top and base. Birch interior, black painted decoration. Black laquered column. Adjustable in height and length. Can function as a dining table, coffee table, or console table. Cabinetmaker Otto Wretling made furniture for the Royal Court. He designed the table together with his son Bo Wretling in 1935. Patented in 1936. Patent No 99346. Ref. 4559.
Kaare Klint "Addition" Sofa and Footstool. Produced by Rud Rasmussen. 1933. Legs of Cuban mahogany, upholstered in original, natural Niger leather. Ref. 7711.
Surrea Vase. Wilhelm Kåge. 1940. Stamped Gustavsberg manufacturer's mark, artist stamp Kåge and impressed S. The Surrea series was first shown at the exhibition "Chaos in the oven" held at Nordiska Kompaniet. Kåge experimented with cutting vases into two or three parts and then re-assembling them. Ref. 8743.