Swedish Textile Treasures September

Sweden holds a unique position in the field of modern textile art and rug design. One important reason is the household and textile education programs that emerged after 1850, along with the commercial outlets that enabled women to earn a living from their craftsmanship and develop their artistic practices.

Another explanation for the remarkable number of distinguished Swedish textile designers is the influence of international world's fairs and national arts and industry exhibitions, beginning with the Stockholm Exhibition of 1897. Participation in these events encouraged designers to continually innovate and refine their work while drawing inspiration from new ideas, techniques, and international movements.

Major prestige commissions during the first half of the twentieth century, including Stockholm Courthouse, Stockholm City Hall, and the Swedish America Line's M/S Kungsholm, provided important opportunities for textile artists and helped establish the reputation of Swedish textile design both nationally and internationally.

The result was a distinctive textile tradition that gained international recognition. This themed auction brings together some of its most celebrated representatives. Among the highlights are rugs by Märta Måås-Fjetterström, whose name has become synonymous with Swedish textile excellence worldwide, alongside works by Märta Gahn and Ingegerd Silow. Together, they embody the creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation that define twentieth-century Swedish textile art.