Wiwen Nilsson (1897 – 1974) Swedish Silver Designer

Wiwen Nilsson - Black and white photo from Wikipedia
Wiwen Nilsson in black and white (Wikipedia)

Wiwen Nilsson (1897 – 1974) was a Swedish Silver Designer, born in Lund.

Education

He was trained in the workshop of his father Anders Nilsson. He studied at the Konigliche Preussische Zeichenakademie, Hanau (Germany), and in the Paris studio of Georg Jensen while at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiere and Académie Colarossi.

From 1923, Nilsson worked in his father’s workshop in Lund, assuming its management in 1928. In the 1920s and 1930s, he worked in a geometrical style, incorporating cylinders, hemi- spheres, and sharp angles into his large vessels. Under Nilsson’s leadership, and that of Erik Fleming, Swedish silver acquired a character uniquely its own.

Silver Coffee Set by Wiwen Nilsson
Silver coffee set, 1945

Recognition/Exhibitions

He received a gold medal at the 1925 Paris ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes,’ 1955 Gregor Paulsson trophy,1956 Swedish Goldsmiths’ and Jewellers’ Guild gold medal, and 1958 Prince Eugen Medal.

His work was shown at the 1939 ‘New York World’s Fair, 1955 ‘H 55’ exhibition in Halsingborg, 1954—57 USA ‘Design in Scandinavia’ traveling exhibition, and 1958 ‘Formes Scandinaves’ at the Paris Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design Encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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