Modernity Stockholm

Modernity Stockholm We are committed to the collection of exceptional pieces of 20th Century Design.

Modernity specializes in curating exceptional 20th Century Design pieces, with a distinct focus on post-war Scandinavian furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, lighting and jewellery. We collect a wide range of design classics and rarities by designers such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto, Axel Salto, Berndt Friberg and many more. After moving from Scotland to Sweden and following a career in design retailing, Andrew Duncanson opened Modernity's doors in 1998. In addition to supplying pieces to international collectors and museums, Modernity exhibit regularly at antique and design shows in London, New York and Paris. The gallery is situated on Sibyllegatan in the heart of Stockholm's design district Östermalm. Over the years this showroom has become a meeting place both for local and visiting 20th Century Design enthusiasts. Modernity is a member of the Swedish Art & Antique Association and also of the International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers CINOA.

New in our London GalleryA selection of recently arrived works, now on view upstairs:Pair of armchairs designed by Erik ...
22/09/2026

New in our London Gallery

A selection of recently arrived works, now on view upstairs:

Pair of armchairs designed by Erik Karlström, Sweden, 1960s

‘The Egyptian Table’, occasional table designed by Mogens Lassen for A.J. Iversen, Denmark, 1935

PH 4/4 ceiling lamp designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1930s

Model 1148 sideboard designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s

Mirror, Sweden, 1960s

Photo by

We have redone our London gallery. Come by to see all new pieces of important Nordic design from our collection. Newson...
18/09/2026

We have redone our London gallery. Come by to see all new pieces of important Nordic design from our collection.

Newson's Yard, 57 Pimlico Road
London SW1W 8NE, United Kingdom

Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
Saturdays 12pm to 5pm

For inquiries - https://www.modernity.se

New to the collection - Paavo Tynell’s “Snowflake” Ceiling Lamp, Model 9041, designed for Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s.This ...
17/09/2026

New to the collection - Paavo Tynell’s “Snowflake” Ceiling Lamp, Model 9041, designed for Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s.

This is an exceptionally rare example of Paavo Tynell’s celebrated Snowflake chandelier, representing the largest and most elaborate version of the model. Composed of 64 individually suspended snowflakes in two distinct styles, it stands apart even within an already scarce series. Produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, the chandelier is of remarkable scale, making it one of the most ambitious expressions of Tynell’s work.

At the centre is a polished and perforated brass bowl, from which a dense arrangement of slender brass rods rises before curving outwards in all directions. Suspended at varying heights, the hand-crafted snowflakes form a complex, cascading composition that seems to expand into the surrounding space. The structure recalls both a flowering plant and a firework held at the moment of explosion. When illuminated, the suspended elements cast a shifting pattern of light and shadow across the ceiling and surrounding room.

According to Pekka Korvenmaa, Professor Emeritus of Design History at Aalto University, Finland: “The Snowflake is the peak production of Tynell's career. When the light is on the lamp shines very beautifully - the snowflakes reflect the light and interesting shadows appear on the ceiling and in the room. It is indeed a highly decorative piece, an Object d'Art, even when it is not lit, a beautiful piece of art in any space, public or private.”

The Snowflake series is among Tynell’s most recognisable and sought-after lighting designs, produced in several different configurations. Large examples were made in very limited numbers, and this 64-flake version represents the series at its most spectacular. The design also belongs to the period when Tynell’s reputation was expanding rapidly beyond Finland. The opening of Finland House in New York in 1948 created an important platform for Finnish design in the United States, where lighting by Tynell and Taito Oy became particularly admired.

Photography by

New to the collection - Paavo Tynell’s “Snowflake” Ceiling Lamp, Model 9041, designed for Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s. This...
17/09/2026

New to the collection - Paavo Tynell’s “Snowflake” Ceiling Lamp, Model 9041, designed for Taito Oy, Finland, 1950s.

This is an exceptionally rare example of Paavo Tynell’s celebrated Snowflake chandelier, representing the largest and most elaborate version of the model. Composed of 64 individually suspended snowflakes in two distinct styles, it stands apart even within an already scarce series. Produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s, the chandelier is of remarkable scale, making it one of the most ambitious expressions of Tynell’s work.

At the centre is a polished and perforated brass bowl, from which a dense arrangement of slender brass rods rises before curving outwards in all directions. Suspended at varying heights, the hand-crafted snowflakes form a complex, cascading composition that seems to expand into the surrounding space. The structure recalls both a flowering plant and a firework held at the moment of explosion. When illuminated, the suspended elements cast a shifting pattern of light and shadow across the ceiling and surrounding room.

According to Pekka Korvenmaa, Professor Emeritus of Design History at Aalto University, Finland: “The Snowflake is the peak production of Tynell's career. When the light is on the lamp shines very beautifully - the snowflakes reflect the light and interesting shadows appear on the ceiling and in the room. It is indeed a highly decorative piece, an Object d'Art, even when it is not lit, a beautiful piece of art in any space, public or private.”

The Snowflake series is among Tynell’s most recognisable and sought-after lighting designs, produced in several different configurations. Large examples were made in very limited numbers, and this 64-flake version represents the series at its most spectacular. The design also belongs to the period when Tynell’s reputation was expanding rapidly beyond Finland. The opening of Finland House in New York in 1948 created an important platform for Finnish design in the United States, where lighting by Tynell and Taito Oy became particularly admired.

Photography by

Selected Scandinavian Design: Aalto, Norell & Nilsson Armchair 'The Thumb' designed by Arne Norell for Gösta Westerberg,...
14/09/2026

Selected Scandinavian Design: Aalto, Norell & Nilsson

Armchair 'The Thumb' designed by Arne Norell for Gösta Westerberg, Sweden, 1950s

Serving trolley 'Model 900' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Sweden, 1940s

Vase 'Savoy' model 3030 designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, Finland, 1930s

Ceiling lamp from Enso-Gutzeit HQ Conference Room Helsinki by Alvar Aalto, Finland, c. 1960s

Rug “Gyllenrutan grön” designed by Barbro Nilsson for MMF, Sweden, 1945

Folding 'Screen 100' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936

Photos by

Highlight from our latest arrivals— Modular TV Bench 'Model 161' designed by Hans Olsen for Bramin, Denmark, 1957 The 'M...
10/09/2026

Highlight from our latest arrivals

— Modular TV Bench 'Model 161' designed by Hans Olsen for Bramin, Denmark, 1957

The 'Model 161' modular seating system designed by Hans Olsen and produced by Bramin consists of a long slatted teak platform supporting two upholstered lounge chairs and a square side table. The design challenges the conventional distinction between sofa, daybed and occasional furniture. Each component rests independently on the platform and can be lifted, repositioned or removed according to use. Arranged together, the system functions as a two-seat sofa with an integrated table; with the seating elements removed, the base becomes a low daybed or bench, while the chairs can also be placed directly on the floor as separate lounge seats.

The model became particularly associated with the Bass Case Study House, completed in 1958 for the American graphic designer and filmmaker Saul Bass. There, the chairs were reportedly used both on and off the platform, demonstrating the informal and mobile character built into Olsen’s original design.

Hans Olsen (1919–1992) was a Danish furniture designer who studied under Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. While grounded in Klint’s attention to proportion and use, Olsen developed a more experimental approach to form, ergonomics and materials. His work frequently explored unconventional seating positions, compact construction and furniture that could adapt to different settings.

Discover the rest of our latest arrivals online.
Follow the link in our bio.

Photos by

Designer Highlight — Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959)Axel Einar Hjorth was one of the most distinctive figures in Swedish f...
04/09/2026

Designer Highlight — Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959)

Axel Einar Hjorth was one of the most distinctive figures in Swedish furniture design. Moving from the refined elegance of Swedish Grace and Art Deco toward a more modernist expression, his work captured the changing character of Swedish design during the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1927, Hjorth became chief architect and designer at Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden’s leading luxury department store. Over the following decade, he created furniture and interiors that established his reputation both in Sweden and abroad. His work was showcased at the landmark Stockholm Exhibition of 1930, an event that helped put Swedish modernism on the international stage.

Hjorth’s career extended well beyond Sweden. Among his prestigious commissions were interiors for the Shah of Persia and work for Nordiska Kompaniet’s Paris store, reflecting his growing international reputation.

After leaving Nordiska Kompaniet in 1938, Hjorth continued independently as a designer and architect. Today, his furniture is among the most sought-after examples of Swedish 20th-century design, celebrated for its distinctive combination of sculptural form, craftsmanship, and modernist sophistication.

Selected works :

Bookshelf 'Typenko' designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1931

Cabinet 'Lovö' designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

Pair of chairs model ‘Lovö’ designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

Side table ‘Lovö’ Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

Dining table model 'O.K' designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937

Bar cart "Corall" Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, 1930s

A set of four chair model 'Corall' designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1937

Sofa 'Utö' designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1930s

Photos by

Swedish Design: Objects and Composition Selected works shown: Sculpture 'Bull Terrier' designed by Sonja Petterson, Swed...
02/09/2026

Swedish Design: Objects and Composition

Selected works shown:

Sculpture 'Bull Terrier' designed by Sonja Petterson, Sweden, 1990s

Table 'No. 16' designed by Carl Hörvik, Sweden, 1930s

Vase designed by Carl Harry Stålhane, Sweden

Armchair designed by Erik Karlström, Sweden, 1960s

Knotted pile rug designed by Margareta Sundbom Eichenholz, Sweden, 1952

Composition by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1960s

Framed object by Rune Hagberg, Sweden, 1970s

Photos by

Object of the week — Set of ten 'Butterfly' dining chairs designed by Eva Koppel and Nils for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmar...
31/08/2026

Object of the week — Set of ten 'Butterfly' dining chairs designed by Eva Koppel and Nils for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmark, 1950s

This set of ten “Butterfly” dining chairs designed by Eva and Nils Koppel and produced by Slagelse Møbelværk in Denmark are defined by their sculptural backrests, where two rounded upholstered sections meet in a form that recalls the wings of a butterfly.

Eva and Nils Koppel were Danish architects and designers who played an important role in twentieth-century Scandinavian design. Both trained at the School of Architecture in Copenhagen and worked early in their careers at Alvar Aalto’s studio in Finland. In 1946, they established their own practice in Denmark, designing architecture, furniture, lighting and interiors.

Their work developed from furniture and interior design into larger architectural commissions. In 1956, Nils Koppel was appointed Inspector of Royal Buildings, and in the late 1960s the practice became part of KKE, one of Denmark’s largest architectural firms.

Photos by

Highlight from our latest arrivals— Serving trolley 'Model 900'Designed by Alvar Aalto for ArtekSweden, 1940s This 'Mode...
26/08/2026

Highlight from our latest arrivals

— Serving trolley 'Model 900'
Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Sweden, 1940s

This 'Model 900' serving trolley designed by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino Aalto for Artek has a frame in moulded birch, a tiled top in green sourced from Fiskars, a woven rattan basket and large white-painted wheels with rubber tyres.

This version with the green fiskers tiles was by special order only.
The model was designed in 1937 and first presented at the Paris World Exhibition the same year. It developed from Aalto’s earlier Tea Trolley 98 of 1936, with the addition of a rattan basket that made the object more versatile in domestic use.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was Finland’s most influential architect and designer. His work helped shape a more organic form of modernism, replacing the harder geometry of early functionalism with natural materials, curved forms and a close attention to human use. Together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, he co-founded Artek in 1935 to produce and distribute modern furniture, lighting and interiors.

Artek’s Swedish production was based in Hedemora between 1946 and 1956, where Aalto furniture was made for the Swedish market. Early Swedish-produced examples, such as this trolley, form part of the wider history of Artek’s post-war distribution and the international reception of Aalto’s designs.

Discover the rest of our latest arrivals online.
Follow the link in our bio.

Photos by

Adress

Sibyllegatan 6
Stockholm
11442

Öppettider

Måndag 12:00 - 17:30
Tisdag 12:00 - 17:30
Onsdag 12:00 - 17:30
Torsdag 12:00 - 17:30
Fredag 12:00 - 17:30
Lördag 11:00 - 15:00

Webbplats

Aviseringar

Var den första att veta och låt oss skicka ett mail när Modernity Stockholm postar nyheter och kampanjer. Din e-postadress kommer inte att användas för något annat ändamål, och du kan när som helst avbryta prenumerationen.

Genvägar

Dela