Toward the end of his life, Mathsson established a foundation that, since 1984, has awarded an annual prize to individuals who strongly contribute to development of furniture design and related design fields. The Bruno Mathsson Prize is today the largest design prize in the Nordic region, and to highlight its importance, this exhibition presents the many prominent designers and interior architects who have received the prize, including this year's laureates Fredrik Paulsen, Jenny Nordberg, and Finn Ahlgren.
The forward-looking ambition was Mathsson's driving force throughout his life. Progress is thus the theme of the exhibition, and the laurates have been invited to showcase projects and processes that are infused with this very idea. Meeting the designers who have been influential in the Nordic region since the 1980s also provides a clear view of this expansive period in Nordic design. In addition to aesthetic qualities, there is now an increasing awareness of technical, craftmanship and material development, as well as its environmental impact. Artistic integrity and an understanding of human needs are also central themes.
Award winners in the exhibition:
Fredrik Paulsen, Jenny Nordberg, Finn Ahlgren, Front, Pierre Sindre, Monica Förster, Chris Martin, Folkform, TAF, Shane Schneck, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Jonas Bohlin, Staffan Holm, Mika Tolvanen, Daniel Rybakken, Thomas Bernstrand, Cecilie Manz, Anna Kraitz, Louise Campbell, Ilkka Suppanen, Johannes Norlander, Anderssen & Voll, Andreas Engesvik, Anna von Schewen, Sigurður Gústafsson, Gunilla Allard, Simo Heikkilä, Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen, Mats Theselius, Åke Axelsson, Kari Virtanen
The exhibition is designed by TAF, which received the Bruno Mathsson Prize in 2017.
Thanks to: Karin and Bruno Mathssons Foundation, Tore G Wärenstam Foundation, DS Smith, Nordisk Kulturfond, Clara Lachmann Foundation, Letterstedt Association, Helge Ax:son Johnson Foundation, Swedish Arts Council, Region Jönköping County, Värnamo Municipality, Vandalorum Partners: Hamrin, Liljedahl, Svenstig
Photos:
Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) drawing in Frösakull, © Bruno Mathsson International
Exhibition images by Patrik Lindell / Vandalorum
Spiral table and Road Block chair by Fredrik Paulsen, photo: Sanna Lindström
Mirror (2014) by Jenny Nordberg, photo: Korta ben
Cabinet by Finn Ahlgren, photo: Mathilda Werngren
Clouds portable room (2003) by Monica Förster for Offecct, © Offecct
Famna sofa and stool (2020) by TAF for Svenskt Tenn, photo: Henrik Lundell
Sfera chair (2004) by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Cinderella table (2023) by Anna Kraitz for Design House Stockholm, © Design House Stockholm
Chicago roller table (1999) by Gunilla Allard for Lammhults
CMA Clay porcelain series (2021) by Cecilie Manz for 1616/Arita Japan, photo: Jeppe Sørensen
Hommage à Sigurd Lewerentz armchair (2012) by Mats Theselius for Källemo, photo: Johann Bergenholtz
SocialClub armchair (2018) by Anna von Shewen for, © Fogia
Blow Away Vase (2008) by Front for Moooi, © Moooi