Folkform

Pleated for Frank

Pleated for Frank is an interpretation of Josef Frank’s classic design world, and a further development in the fine art of pleating.

For the third time, Svenskt Tenn is collaborating with Folkform, this time in connection with Stockholm Design Week 2023. With the Pleated for Frank collection, the art and design duo of Anna Holmquist and Chandra Ahlsell, have created a unique series of pleated table lamps and lampshades using Josef Frank’s classic patterns and Svenskt Tenn’s solid colour linen fabrics.

The new lampshades add a contemporary touch to Josef Frank’s traditional light fixtures – a meeting between tradition and the present.

“We have interpreted Josef Frank’s classic pattern world and created a sculptural series of fixtures inspired by the pleated garments of the fashion world. At the same time, we have renewed the technique used to pleat lampshades, as the entire structure is hidden on the inside,” says Anna Holmquist.

”We associate the green tone with Svenskt Tenn. It is fascinating how many different shades of green Josef Frank used in his pattern compositions, from the lightest mint green shades to the muted dark green, which is almost black. We also decided to design the entire exhibition in monochrome green tones, with custom-made dark green carpeting and green walls.”

What started as an art project with fashion designer Roland Hjort has since taken new forms. For the first time, the collection has been created with prints by Josef Frank, specifically Aristidia from the 1920s, and Brazil and Poisons, both designed in the 1940s.

In Pleated for Frank, the Aristidia, Brazil and Poisons fabrics have been used in an innovative lighting collection and colourful exhibition, whereby the many green elements in the patterns also tie the collection together.

Pleated lampshades have been a part of Svenskt Tenn’s range since the early 1930s. With Pleated for Frank, tradition and innovation are interwoven bringing the handicraft to contemporary society.