Foundation

Ever since the origin of mankind, humans have developed useful objects. Before the end of the 19th century Swedish products and objects were artisan and created for an everyday use. At the end of the 19th century and early 20th century, the Swedish design as we know it today was established in the growth of the industrial society in Sweden.

1897: The World exhibition in Stockholm
Carl Larsson gives an exhibition of his paintings. They show his home with furniture designed by his wife Karin. He was inspired by the English Arts & Crafts movement. Ellen Kay writes an essay on 'Beauty in the home' and 'More beautiful things for everyday use', in which she refers to his paintings. Gregor Paulsson writes a book titled 'More beautiful things for everyday use'. These works have an enduring influence on Swedish design.

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1920's

The international scene discovers the Swedish innovations and their arts & crafts are called 'Swedish Grace'. Their modern simplicity and grace, were exceptional in times of bold mass industry.

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1930's

This period is generally called the 'modern-functionalist' breakthrough'. It shows a clear distinction between hand-made crafts and machine-made crafts. This division is made in a time where industrialization, standardisation and mass production are an everyday reality.

1930: The Stockholm exhibition
The year 1930 represents a turning point between the old and new. Design in architecture and interior decoration as presented on the Stockholm exhibition, show great innovations such as large windows and Spartan decor. All sorts of objects are presented: silver, furniture, carpets, crystal, glass.... The Stockholm exhibition of 1930 furthermore spread a new world message: new forms should encapsulate the desire to create things for and reflect a new socialist world. The popularity of socialism and the unity of the working class can be seen in relation to what was happening in Germany that period of time.

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1940's

Swedish design in the 1940's was mostly influenced by World War II (Sweden was a neutral country). Functionality dominated and design had to be usable in the home, since woman worked while their men were off fighting. Home equipment was modernized for down-to-earth reasons of economics. The home became a little factory and after the war, the profession of 'industrial designer' became fashionable. In 1943, Ingvar Kamprad founds IKEA, he offers all sort of material goods for rich and poor at the lowest prices possible.

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1950's

The 1950's show celebrated a real boom of Swedish design with new materials and a wave of progressive optimism.
Engineers mastering the latest technological advances collaborated with designers to integrate functional modernity in their design.
Fine art becomes increasingly distinct from functional art.

1952: The first Saab

The 1950's show marks the take off of the distinctive Swedish car industry. In 1952 the first Saab rolls of the assembly line. It is innovative because of its aerodynamic design by Sixten Sason and the contribution in the design of a team of aeronautic engineers.

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1960's

By 1960 the production process is well oiled, and ripe for ergonomic considerations, which start to play a key role. The new study of Ergonomics reflects a growing awareness of the whole person in relation to design. Secondly, it also stressed that there is more than one standard type of person. In addition, it reflected a range of people types with design needs which change according to their daily activities.
Above and beyond the mechanical relation between man and object and ergonomics, design symbolizes a social ideal and, for example, includes design to meet the mobility needs of the disabled and the creative and safety needs of children. Furthermore, the resulting joyful and imaginative products represent a liberating celebration of life. At that time the influence of pop art is evident throughout design.

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1970's

The 1970's are characterized by the desire to experiment. A new sense of freedom was expressed by many skilled designers in the field of pottery, textile and glass. However, this period is marked by a lack of respect for sophisticated techniques. The traditions and the origin of design become secondary. In the mean time, IKEA has grown to a well-known chain of interior design stores all over Scandinavia. In 1973, the first store outside Scandinavia was opened in Zurich, Switzerland.

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1980's

In the 1980's, the debate on design focuses on the difference between form and function. The international scene is influenced by the negative post-modern time spirit. Overall the interest in design grows worldwide. As a consequence, the world wide growth of IKEA continues. Belgium gets it's first IKEA store in 1984. After some doubts about whether or not IKEA should move on to the American market, the first IKEA store opens in the USA in 1985.

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1990's-today

Today we can state that Swedish design maintains a high standard and is respected at an international level. Unfortunately, since the 1980's there is a decrease of the number of producers of articles for everyday use. The production of design situated in Sweden is on a small scale, the big production companies have moved mainly to south-east Asia for financial reasons.
However, education has increased and improved within the past decade. The University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm and the University College of Design and Applied Arts and Crafts (HDK) in Gothenburg offer a well developed program for young designers. Newer colleges include the University College of Design in Umeå and the Design Programme at the Lund Institute of Technology. This diversity results in a substantial number of young, motivated and skilled designers.
During the last decade, the central government of Sweden has become more aware of the importance of design for its culture and economy. From 2001, increased financial support from the ministry of culture has been made available. The money is used in the information and research field of form and design.

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