Tefaf Maastricht 2017

Jacksons Stockholm is pleased to present the gallery’s inaugural booth at TEFAF Maastricht. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a unique Macassar ebony desk by Swedish architect Sven Markelius (1889-1972), designed for personal use at his home in Nockeby, Stockholm, in the 1930s. He later gifted the desk to artist and friend Vicke Lindstrand. Markelius was active during the period of Nordic Modernism from 1920-1930, which is dubbed as the golden age of Nordic architecture. During his prolific career he advocated strong functionalist tendencies with a sociopolitical focus.

Jacksons has surrounded Markelius’ desk with objects and furniture by the Scandinavian colleagues that he was inspired by. This speculative space represents a specific historical moment, beginning with functionalist impulses in the late 1920s to early developments in organic modernism in the subsequent decade.

On display is a selection of pieces by Finland’s most celebrated architect, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), with whom Markelius was close friends. Aalto created functionalist pieces that incorporated organic forms, natural materials, and traditional artistry. Aalto's influence on Markelius, both as a sculptor and an artist, was paramount. The booth also features rare glass, furniture, lighting, and sculptures. Some of these wall sculptures served as experiments carried out by Aalto in wood, and investigate the technical and aesthetic potential of Bentwood furniture during the 1930s.

The first major project of architect Axel Einar Hjorth (1888-1959), a contemporary of Markelius in Sweden, was the Swedish Pavilion at the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. This neoclassical building and interior displayed some of the most exclusive and luxurious furniture produced in Sweden at the time. Hjorth presented the model ‘Caesar’ in the pavilion. On display at TEFAF are several Hjorth pieces produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), a neoclassical sofa and pair of armchairs from the ‘Caesar’ series of 1929.

Danish lighting designer Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) bridged the transition from the neoclassical to industrial modern era. On display is a PH Tennis Lamp developed in 1927. The final shape of the Tennis lamp was the result of a series of tests that Henningsen carried out with the tennis player, Einar Middelboe, and was installed in the Kjøbenhavns Boldklub indoor tennis court.

The booth also features pieces by designers Anna Petrus (1886-1949), Josef Frank (1885-1967) and Paavo Tynell (1890-1973).