Svenskt Tenn Honors Pioneering Metal Artist Anna Petrus with Exhibition

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, Svenskt Tenn has launched an exhibition dedicated to Anna Petrus, a groundbreaking metal designer of the 20th century. The showcase, titled Sequence of Spaces, is currently on display at the renowned Stockholm store and highlights Petrus's enduring contributions to design.

Anna Petrus, who lived from 1886 to 1949, made her mark in a male-dominated field by collaborating with Svenskt Tenn founder Estrid Ericson. This partnership yielded a stunning array of pewter and cast iron pieces, such as a striking table lamp, mirrors, and a lion sculpture that remains in production today. Notably, these designs feature intricate reliefs of female figures and grapes, showcasing Petrus's unique artistic vision.

A Legacy of Bold Design

Petrus's journey began in Uppsala, Sweden, where she was born to a physician and a countess. Her artistic education spanned prestigious institutions, including Chelsea Polytechnic in London, where she engaged in the suffragette movement. Her breakout moment came in 1925 at the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs, where her cast iron works garnered a gold medal, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in Swedish design.

Exhibition Highlights

The Sequence of Spaces exhibition features not only Petrus's celebrated designs but also reintroduces lesser-known pieces, such as a decorative mirror frame adorned with a reclining lion, which became a signature of her work. The exhibition is enhanced by a scenography created by Elvira Solana, who designed a three-dimensional backdrop that captures the essence of Petrus's artistic spirit.

As visitors explore the exhibition, they transition through various themed spaces, culminating in a vibrant celebration of movement and craft. Tora Grape, Marketing & Brand Communications Director at Svenskt Tenn, describes the experience as a journey from rigid architectural forms to more organic and liberated designs.

In addition to Petrus's work, the exhibition features a reissued chessboard designed by Marie-Louise Idestam-Blomberg, another pioneer in Swedish design. Through this exhibition, Svenskt Tenn aims to restore the recognition Anna Petrus deserves, showcasing her bold and playful designs that resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Source: www.wallpaper.com