Annual Ornament 2024 Elephant
Svenskt Tenn’s Archive
The Archive and Collections forms a separate department at Svenskt Tenn. Here, curators and archivists work to preserve and manage the company's rich archive, which includes not only drawings and sketches but also pattern designs, letters, notes, and photographs. Original pieces and purchased items from founder Estrid Ericson's time are also preserved. With new collaborations and launches, new information and stories emerge, making the archive a living place that safeguards the company's history, present, and future.
New launches from the archive
Every year, Svenskt Tenn launches new furniture and items. Some result from collaborations with contemporary designers, while others are recreated from archive designs. In 2024, the jubilee year, five such pieces are being launched – a blend of designs that have never been shown before and beloved classics now brought back to life. For the holiday season of 2024, several such items will be launched in the range, including textiles and candleholders designed by Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson.
The original Chianti pattern by Josef Frank.
Chianti textile by Josef Frank
In the Chianti print, a botanically mysterious vine climbs upwards on wide borders. The decorative foliage and branches motif is somewhat more pared-down than what is often associated with Josef Frank’s work. Chianti is one of Josef Frank’s earlier textile patterns, designed in 1925-30 for his own company, Haus & Garten in Vienna. Chianti was originally block printed at GP & J Baker, and it was introduced at Svenskt Tenn in 1934, in connection with Josef Frank’s association with the company. The fabric then became a part of Svenskt Tenn’s early fabric range, which mainly consisted of Josef Frank patterns from the 1920s and 1930s. The pattern’s original template is preserved in the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet).
Happy and Grumpy candle holders
The charming Happy and Grumpy candle holders radiate warmth and personality. They suit both the Christmas table and the windowsill and are certain to become an integral part of traditional Christmas decorations in the home.
Estrid Ericson found the models for the Happy and Grumpy candle holders while on a buying trip in Italy. She took them home and then created her own versions. From the 1950s to the 1970s they were hand-painted by the store staff. Estrid Ericson oversaw the work and decided which ones would be sold at the store on Strandvägen 5. For Christmas 2024, the candle holders are produced and painted by hand at Porslinsfabriken (The Porcelain Factory) in Lidköping.
Happy and Grumpy candle holders from the 1950s-70s.
The charming Happy and Grumpy candle holders come from Svenskt Tenn’s historical archive and are being produced for the centennial Christmas 2024. They were created by the sculptor Gunilla Holmberg. Estrid Ericson, the founder of Svenskt Tenn and a friend of the family, saw the angels and was captivated by their charm. She wondered if Gunilla could produce them for Svenskt Tenn’s Christmas collection. The angels became popular and remained part of the range for over twenty years, from 1945 onwards.
The brass water lily was designed by Josef Frank in 1934. The candle holder was shown at the Swedish National Museum in 1968.
Näckrosen (Water lily) candle holder
The flower-shaped candleholder in brass was designed by Josef Frank in 1934. Among other places, the candleholder was shown at a memorial exhibition for Josef Frank at Sweden’s National Museum in 1968. It is as beautiful on its own as in a pair, and can be used together with Svenskt Tenn’s small, hand-dipped candles.
The annual pendant is based on one of the many beautiful and exotic casting moulds preserved in Svenskt Tenn’s historical archive.
Annual Pendant 2024 - Elefant
For Svenskt Tenn’s 100 year anniversary in 2024, a unique pewter pendant is being launched, based on one of the many beautiful and exotic casting moulds preserved in the company’s historical archives. Elefant (Elephant) is depicted in Svenskt Tenn’s product catalogue from 1944, when it was produced as a brooch in three different designs, as well as produced as a necklace with nine elephants. The annual pendant is intended to be a recurring collectible and a tribute to Svenskt Tenn’s rich heritage and history.
The pendant in elegant packaging.
Candle Chandelier 2586
Chandelier 2586 in wood and brass is a redesigned version of Josef Frank’s classic twelve-armed candlestick, designed in 1957. Svenskt Tenn has recreated the candle chandelier from the original model in the archive. It holds eight candles and is an exceptionally beautiful decoration to hang over the Christmas table.
Candle chandelier in wood and brass.
Ljusstjärnor Candle holder
This unique brass candle holder consists of eight five-point star-shaped candle holders that together form a beautiful star wreath. The candle holder has been recreated by Svenskt Tenn based on a photo from 1934 saved in the archives, depicting one of Estrid Ericson’s dazzling table settings. The individual star candleholders have been a part of Svenskt Tenn’s range ever since 1931. The elegant Ljusstärnor candle holder captures the timeless design and craftsmanship from Estrid Ericson’s time and is a tribute to her way of decorating a table setting with various kinds of wreaths.
Brass star candle holder.
