DESIGN FROM SCANDINAVIA: No. 8
Kirsten Bjerregaard [Editor]
Kirsten Bjerregaard [Editor]: DESIGN FROM SCANDINAVIA: No. 8. Copenhagen, Denmark: World Pictures, CA. 1975. Original edition. Text in English, French, German, and Danish. A nearly fine softcover book with printed stiff wrappers: light wear to spine. Interior unmarked and very clean. Out-of-print.
9.25 x 12.5 softcover book with 143 pages with approx. 375 color illustrations. From the introduction: “Many common features can also be discerned in Scandinavian design. The living conditions offered by poor countries with harsh climatic conditions made it necessary to put emphasis upon quality, durability and function. And this still persist as a background for Scandinavian production . . . .”
All pieces are identified by name and manufacturers information concerning dimensions and finishes. I suspect this information could be useful to some people out there.
Represented firms include Asko, Myrskyla, Artek, Muurame, G.A. Serlachius, Vuokko, Lahden Puutyo, Stockmann, Indoor Design, Hameen Kalustaja, Juvako, Klaessons, String-Seffle, Franssons Mobelfabrik, Edsbyverken, JOC Mobel, Dux Mobel, Sedostol, Lammhults Mekaniska, Nelo Mobel, Ruthers Mobel, Lammhults Mekaniska, Westnofa, Vatne Lenestolfabrikk, Norwood Ltd., Bruksbo, Strange Bruk, Trybo-Trysilhus, Sorliemobler, Fredericia Stolefabrik, O. Bank Larsen, Kebe, Fritz Hansens, Hybodan, P. P. Mobler, Ivan Schlecter, Saxkjobing Savvaerk, J. L. Moller, Aksel Kjersgaard, Trekanten, Getama, Hirtshals Savvaerk, A. Mikael Laursen, Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva, Bjorn Weckstrom, Helja Liukko-Sundstrom, Littala, Hackman, Nuutajarvi Glass, Notsjo Glas, Arabia, Vuokko, Lagerholm, Haimi, Uveka, Lyktan, Lammhults Mekaniska, Sedostol, NKR, Facit, Mathsson International AB, Nelo, Textura, JOC, Futura Mobler, Arne Norell, Luxo, More Designteam, Vatne, Holmegaarde Glasvaerk, Stelton, A. Michelsen, Georg Jensen, Cohr, Nordisk Solar, Louis Poulsen and Co., Bang & Olufsen, Kvadrat, L. F. Foght, Danish Art Weaving, Gabriel, Westons, Form 75, P. P. Mobler, HG-Mobler, Magnus Olesen, Skovmand & Andersen, Erik Jorgensen Mobelfabrik, Rais Produkter, Jeki, A. Mikael Laursen, Thams Kvalitet, Tranekaer Furniture, Sibast Mobler, Bondo Gravesen, Nipu, Scanform, Reskas, and Hyssna International.
In 1954 the four Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland arranged what proved to be the most important marketing effort ever for Scandinavian design—the monumental exhibition Design in Scandinavia. From 1954 to 1963 Design in Scandinavia toured the United States and Canada. The exhibition was presented in 27 cities, and it was a huge success, initiated by The Danish Society of Arts and Crafts and its sister organizations in the other participating countries.
Based on the success the four countries established what they called the Scandinavian Design Cavalcade, which had a lot of US press coverage as well. In that connection the July 1963 issue of House Beautiful was centered around The Scandinavian Look in U.S. Homes, and it was Denmark and Danish Design in particular that the magazine focussed on. Besides the editorial pages, the numerous ads illustrates that Danish modern furniture was increasingly gaining a stronghold among certain groups of American consumers.
Importers and retail chains like John Stuart Inc., George Tanier, Raynor and Dunbar etc. now sold Danish modern furniture in the US, and by now it was not only hand crafted furniture from the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions but also pieces from industrial furniture producers like Fritz Hansen, Søborg Møbelfabrik, Fredericia Furniture and many others. From the end of the 1950s Danish Department stores and other retailers produced comprehensive brochures and booklets in English with prices in US Dollars presenting Danish Design to American and other tourists.
Without exception, these stores all presented the narrative of Danish modern. “Denmark is known all over the world for its exquisite home furnishing, which are characterized by their outstanding design and superb craftsmanship” the department store Magasin claimed in its brochure “Danish Design.”