Wiwen Nilsson (1897 – 1974) Swedish Silver Designer

Wiwen Nilsson (1897 – 1974) was a Swedish Silver Designer born in Lund. He made a significant contribution to the world of art and design. His work was characterized by simplicity and elegance, incorporating wood, glass, and other non-traditional elements. His legacy lives on through his beautiful creations.

Education

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

Biography

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, hemispheres, and sharp angles into his large vessels. Under Nilsson’s leadership and that of Erik Fleming, Swedish silver acquired a character uniquely its own.

1937 Art Deco 85-carat rock crystal silver necklace by Wiwen Nilsson

The pendant measures 6.7 cm in length, making it the perfect size for a statement piece without being too overpowering. The 59 cm chain allows you to wear the pendant at the perfect height on any neckline.

Nilsson designed these in 1945, and it has three beautiful pieces. The silver coffee set with a height of 26.5 cm is a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Nilsson’s silver coffee set is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The three-piece set, crafted in 1945, features clean lines and a sleek silhouette that exudes sophistication. Standing 26.5 cm tall, the set is the perfect size for serving coffee or tea to guests. The attention to detail is evident in every design aspect, from the elegant spout on the coffee pot. Silver adds a touch of luxury and elegance.

Recognition/Exhibitions

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

He showcased his work at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the 1955 ‘H 55’ exhibition in Helsingborg, the 1954-57 USA ‘Design in Scandinavia’ travelling exhibition, and the 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

Holmquist, K., Nilsson, W. (1990). Silversmeden Wiwen Nilsson. Sweden: Kulturen.

Wiwen Nilsson. (2024). Italy: Rizzoli.

Amazon Product Recommendations Inspired by Wiwen Nilsson

Elegance in Simplicity

If you admire Wiwen Nilsson’s work, you’d likely appreciate products embodying his ideals—elegance, simplicity, and innovative use of wood, glass, and silver materials.

1. Modern Silverware Set: Given Nilsson’s work in silver, a set of elegant silverware with clean lines could be a fitting tribute. Learn More →
2. Geometric Glass Vase: Nilsson’s work often involved geometric designs. A modern glass vase with similar geometric elements could be a fantastic centrepiece. Learn More →
3. Art Deco Jewelry: Considering his 1937 Art Deco 85-carat rock crystal silver necklace, an Art Deco-inspired piece of jewellery with silver and crystal elements would be relevant. Learn More →
4. Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table: Nilsson’s 1945 silver coffee set exuded mid-century modern design. A sleek coffee table of the same design ethos would complement the set perfectly. Learn More →
5. Books on Scandinavian Design: As Nilsson’s work was part of exhibitions showcasing Scandinavian design, books that delve into this specific design heritage would enrich your understanding of his work. Learn More →
6. Silver and Wood Decor Items: Considering Nilsson’s innovative use of wood along with silver, look for home décor items that incorporate both these materials, such as a silver-rimmed wooden tray. Learn More →
7. Wallpapers with Geometric Patterns: His geometric style could be reflected in your home with wallpapers that employ cylinders, sharp angles, or hemispheres in their design. Learn More →

More Swedish Designers

Swedish designers are known for their minimalist aesthetic and innovative use of materials, and this collection explores the breadth and diversity of Swedish design, highlighting iconic furniture designs, avant-garde fashion creations, glassware designs, and illustrations.

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