Design Bernadotte In English

The exhibition “Design Bernadotte” aims to describe the creative side of the Bernadotte family. Since the 1800’s the Royal family has produced one artistically talented member after another. The painter Prince Eugen and Sigvard are the most famous. The latest addition is the current Prince Carl Philip. We have chosen to present a selection of Sigvard Bernadotte’s designs in crafts and industrial design, and show how the legacy is passed on to Prince Carl Philip. A shared interest in the simple form unites them.

Sigvard was born on June 7, 1907. He was the second child of Crown Prince Gustav Adolf, who later became King Gustav VI Adolf, and English-born Princess Margaret. Sigvard’s oldest brother was also named Gustav Adolf, father of Sweden’s cur- rent King, Carl XVI Gustaf. Sigvard had three other siblings, Ingrid, Bertil and Carl-Johan. He later lost his Prince title when he married a German woman of the people.

Sigvard was the first in his family who achieved an academic degree, in the subjects of art history, English and political science. He was, like his mother, artistically gifted. In 1930 he began studying at an art school in Stockholm. He was early influenced by functionalism, which was completely new and different. For 50 years he worked as a silver designer for Georg Jensen and he modernized their designs.

Sigvard became a leading designer and an internationally renowned industrial designer. He founded Scandinavia's first independent Industrial Office and served as an inspiration and mentor to a large number of designers. He was interested in designing functional everyday products, in particular kitchen utensils. Plastic was one of the materials he used and developed. Several of his products have become design classics and can be found in many Swedish homes. He also designed logos for companies, including the one for the Swedish Marabou chocolate manufacturer.

Sigvard has designed a wide range of products, such as glasses, kettles, tableware and office equipment. Examples of these and more are included in the exhibition. Several products are still produced and his famous maze pattern “virrvarr” now appears on everything from carpets to egg cups.

On February 4, 2002 Sigvard died and left behind his wife, Marianne, whom he was married to for over 40 years.

The exhibition is produced by: