SKULTUNA 1607 - THE ANCIENT TRADITION OF MODERNITY For over 400 years the lustre of Skultuna brass has illuminated the world. With classic designs from the time of our found- er King Karl IX of Sweden, as well as with ground breaking antiquities of tomorrow by leading international designers like GamFratesi, Lara Bohinc, Luca Nichetto, Monica Förster, Richard Hutten and Claesson Koivisto Rune to name a few. And herein lies the formula to why today Skultuna can be found at leading department stores all around the world, has won a number of international design awards and regularly exhibits at the leading international design fairs - we have always been, and will always be, one part traditional craftsmanship and one part modernity. The result can be seen in the following pages and at skultuna.com THE DESIGNER In the latest few years I developed a series of everyday objects for Skultuna, which are openly informed by the modern Italian design legacy; by merging this cultural heritage with that of the prestigious Swedish design company, I tried to high- light diversity, dialogue and exchange as key elements for the definition of a truly contemporary material culture. I’m writing this text from Milan. Other designers are probably doing the same from other cities around Europe. Skilled craftsmen are then working with our objects at the historic factory in Skultuna, while probably someone from the other side of the world is purchasing these objects on the web. We have elements to think that this amazing collaborative and multi-disciplinary network will continue to evolve, spreading Skultuna history and tradition to an even broader audience, hopefully passing its knowledge to future generations. Paolo Dell’Elce Milano THE POLISHER Every successful company has its secrets. Skultuna’s best kept secret is the master brass polishers like Mirsad Kaljun. For 25 years he has been the wizard of trans- forming the raw brown brass to a golden mirror like surface. He works his magic in the polishing workshop in Skultuna, just like the ancient masters have done for hundreds of years before him. – You can definitely feel the history in these buildings. And I for one have learnt a lot about the craft tradition from my predecessors. The secrets of brass and how to treat it best, are inherited from polisher to polisher and then you try your best to preserve and refine the tricks of the trade, says Mirsad. THE DIRECTOR What these tricks are, Mirsad keeps to himself. They are stored in his mind until For more than a decade I’ve had the privilege of heading this very unique company. it’s time to pass the knowledge on to the next in line. But he indicates that loads Unique in the sense that it’s one of the oldest corporations in the world. Unique in of different waxes, polishing wheels and brushes play an important part. And time. the sense that I every day can witness a tradition of craftsmanship producing time- less pieces for selective people all over the globe. And last but not least, unique in – Bringing about that deep golden shine is nothing you do in a haste. Patience is key. the sense that we have stuck to our core, the captivating, gold shimmering brass, for I guess I am quite patient as a person. Patient and meticulous. more than four centuries. And that we intend to continue doing. For at least another 400 years. Hopefully Mirsad’s devout relationship with brass will continue for many years to come. So that admirers of beauty all over the world, can continue to adorn their Viktor Blomqvist homes and public spaces with shiny golden brass pieces from Skultuna. Just like Managing Director, Skultuna 1607 they have done since 1607. THE MATERIAL For over four centuries brass has been the core of Skultuna. Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. The most important production techniques used to produce Skultuna products are sand casting, pres- sure die casting, turning and metal spinning. The surface is then worked upon until a golden, mirror like finish is reached with techniques like blasting, sanding, grinding and brushing. On the Fashion Accessories a thin layer of gold or silver plating is often put on top to keep them from tarnishing. THE STORES The Skultuna Concept Store opened in 2011 in the centre of Stockholm. The store is designed by the renown Swedish architect Thomas Sandell, the goal of the shop design is to link the history and THE FACTORY the iconic material of Skultuna, to the present in a classy and modern way. In the later half of 2015 Still located in the very same place, along the Svartå stream in the heartland of Sweden, as when the foundry was founded in 1607. The the Skultuna Flagship Store opened at the factory present impressive factory buildings from the late 19th century are the latest in a long line of buildings that have burnt down during the in Skultuna, it is based on the same concept as the centuries. Only to be re-erected again and again. store in Stockholm. THE HISTORY OF SKULTUNA 1607 1607 1671 1895 1922 1999 2014 Skultuna was founded by King Karl The first big fire hit Skultuna, it de- Skultuna starts working with the design- The original dated order to set up the Skultuna starts to work with new The successful collaboration with the IX of Sweden on the 11th of February va-stated most of the factory. There were er Carl Hjalmar Norrström, one of the foundry on February 11th 1607 is found design collaborations. Designers such London based jewellery designer Lara 1607. This is the dated order to the local similar fires in 1780 and in 1913. most recognized designers at the time. in the State Archives, the logotype is as Olof Kolte, Claesson Koivisto Rune Bohinc is launched. magistrate to set up the foundry. The designs are made in the ruling changed to Skultuna 1607. and Thomas Sandell start working for 1818 historical eclectic style. Skultuna. The extreme spring flood in 1818 swept away most of the factory. 2015 1950 2002 The new women´s fashion accessories 1611 The Silversmith Pierre Forssell was em- with enamel patterns are launched. 1900 The old and classic Crown cufflink is ployed. He contributed with fabulous The production starts. Until 1922 this Carl Hjalmar Norrström won the Gold made in eight new colors, the start of the products during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. was believed to be the founding year, medal at the World Expo in Paris for a Fashion Accessories collection. His designs are very much characterized therefore the logotype read Skultuna magnificent baptizing font. as Scandinavian of that time. 1611 up until 1922. 1800 In the 15th and 16th century, the design work was part of the craftsmanship. At 2016 the end of 17th century, processes and History Skultuna launches a scented candles work methods were standardized. This 2007 series. was the foundation of what we today call industrial design. 1905 Skultuna turns 400-years, Crown Prin- cess Victoria visits Skultuna and inaugu- It all b egan in 1607 Carl Hjalmar Norrström designs brass rates a memorial over the founder King The year was 1607, and King Karl IX could at objects in the new style Art Nouveau. 1980 Karl IX. last implement hi1619s long held plans for a Swedish brass industry. He had a man sent off on the The famous designer Sigvard Bernad- Crown's businessThe to fyearind ofa stheui toldestable l odatedcati oproduct;n for a the otte designs a series of products for the brass foundry betchandelierween Ko pinp atherb eChurchrg and of V ouräst eLadyrås. in SB is the oldest hallmark, approximately 1825- dining table. 2018 1840.This is an abbreviation of Skultuna Bruk. Enköping. The first master braziers were 1825 The choice fell on Skultuna, where the Svartån A nother hallmark common in the middle of Skultuna launches the Damejeanne vase brook provided suWalloonsfficient wwhoate rbrought power . theCh atechniquercoal the 19th century was SB and a crown. Stamping of products begins. SB (short series design Emma Olbers. how to make large objects like was available here as well, there was a harbour in for Skultuna Bruk) is the oldest stamp in chandeliers. Västerås and the copper mine at Falun was also use 1825–1840. close. Skultuna Messingsbruk was founded and 1911 2014 the king's decision confirmed in a letter dated 11 February 1607. The work King Gustaf VI Adolf celebrates the Skultuna wins the Wallpaper Design . could proceed 300-year anniversary (on the wrong date). Awards for the best product design. SKULTUNA was hallmarked onto sheet Th e hi story of th e b rass found ry works in particular during the period 1840- 1860. For reasons of space, the mark SB During the time of Gustav Wasa and Erik XIV, Sweden had become indeb- continued to be applied onto certain articles, ted to the Hanseatic League. The war of independence with mercenary such as mortars. troops and payment of the ransom for Älvsborg castle had emptied the state coffers. Refining copper into brass would reduce imports of brass and incre- ase income from exports The work was divided up between different workshops, each one super- vised by a master craftsman. The dressing shop manufactured all types of items from sheet brass, cauldrons, pots, bowls, candlesticks, wall plates, etc, SKULTUNA BRUK, with or without a royal crown was the hallmark during the period and the crown casting shop made mortars, bells, candlesticks and chandeli- 1860-1890. ers. The manufacture of chandeliers was considerable, both in terms of volu- me and artistic quality.