Modern Art & Design presents sought-after textile artists
Highlights from Modern Art & Design
In the live auction's section for carpets and textiles, there is a notable focus on Swedish female textile artists, featuring highlights such as 'Ängarna' by Märta Måås-Fjetterström, 'Strålblomman, grön', and 'Röda rabatten' by Barbro Nilsson. The latter is the first ’Röda rabatten’ that was ever woven and delivered to the customer in December 1944.
Barbro Nilsson, 'Strålblomman, grön'
Barbro Nilsson, born in 1899 in Malmö, is one of the most brilliant artists of her time, loved by many and more appreciated now than ever. After studies at, among other places, Johanna Brunsson's weaving school, the major breakthrough came with "Melodies at the Square" created for the Gothenburg Concert Hall after a design by Sven X:et Ericsson in 1936.
However, Barbro Nilsson is most commonly associated with taking over and directing the artistic direction for the newly started Aktiebolaget Märta Måås-Fjetterström. The present carpet is a development of "The Carnation" from 1950 (which is also included in this auction). Sweden's first carnation nursery was located in Båstad, just like AB Märta Måås Fjetterström, and the carnation as a cut flower came into vogue during the 1950s. This could be a possible inspiration for the pattern.
To the carpet
Barbro Nilsson, 'Röda rabatten'
'Rabatten' is one of Barbro Nilsson's most cherished designs, woven multiple times in various sizes. The pattern was created for the fashion director Sahlén, at Norrlandsgatan in Stockholm, for his fashion shows where his models could dance around on the round rugs in the latest lines. These round rugs were made in red, blue, green, and yellow. Later, a white 'Rabatten' was also woven. In addition to 'Rabatten', Barbro Nilsson's 'Tigerfällen' pattern, was also made in a round shape, this one is also represented at the department during this auction.
To the carpet
Märta Måås-Fjetterström, "Ängarna"
In 1928, the Swedish American Line vessel M/S Kungsholm was to be fitted out as a floating pavilion showcasing the superiority of the Swedish 1920s classicism. The architect Carl Bergsten gathered the leading designers of the day to furnish the ship, among them Märta Måås-Fjetterström along with others such as Carl Malmsten, Elsa Gullberg, Oscar Nilsson, and Simon Gate.
Märta Måås-Fjetterström walked through the first-class lounge during her trip to New York in 1928. What could a rug convey on a ship? What was missing on a magnificent sea? Grass, meadows, and flowers from the gardens of childhood. By her next trip, there lay, in the first-class lounge, a large rug by Måås-Fjetterström named "The Meadows".
To the carpet
The carpets will be sold at Modern Art & Design.
Viewing: May 16 – 20, Bukowskis, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Open: weekdays 11 am – 6 pm, weekends 11 am – 4 pm
Live auction: May 21, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm
Read more about Modern Art & Design and see the full catalogue
Requests & condition reports Contact specialist
Stockholm
Christopher Stålhandske
Head Specialist Carpets, textiles and Islamic works of art
+46 (0)708 19 12 58