Skultuna – one of the oldest companies in the world
Few companies manage to stay relevant after more than 400 years in an industry, but Skultuna is undoubtedly one of them. Skultuna was founded by King Karl IX in 1607 with the aim of creating a Swedish brass industry and has since produced metal objects at Svartån in Västmanland. Already in the 17th and 18th centuries, design was an important part of Skultuna’s craftsmanship and perhaps that is the secret to why the products always feel as classic – no matter how many years they have been around.
If you are passing through Västerås, we highly recommend that you take a detour to the small town of Skultuna, which has grown up around the brass mill. The mill itself is beautifully situated next to the Svartån river, where today there are factory sales along with a number of other brands. There is also a cozy café and a museum, so for those interested in design, this is a nice destination.
5 design favorites from Skultuna
The lily
The beautiful Liljan candlestick was designed by artist and designer Ivar Ålenius Björk for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. At that time, however, it was not Skultuna that produced Liljan, but the company Ystad-Metall, which was behind a number of design classics before it closed down in 1969. Should you find a Liljan here on Tradera with the stamp “IÅB Ystad Metall”, you can be sure that you have come across an older copy. In collaboration with Ålenius Björk’s relatives, Skultuna took over the production of the candlestick, and it is still as immensely popular.
In addition to the classic brass version, the Lily is also available in silver-plated brass, which gives a slightly more modern impression, and a darker version in bronze. However, only the brass and silver-plated brass versions are in production today. A glass vase can also be purchased and placed in the candlestick to provide more uses.
Kin
Kin is a series of candle lanterns designed by the famous architect and designer trio Claesson Koivisto Rune. The series consists of five unique tea light lanterns and despite their differences, there is no doubt that they have the same DNA – just like a family. The original 2011 edition is in polished brass, but Kin is also available in silver and copper, as well as powder coated in several colors such as black, white, beige, grey and pink. They are usually sold in sets of three or five. More unusual are the glass versions of Kin, produced in beautiful colors that make them shine like precious stones. Here on Tradera, you’ll regularly find Kin looking for new homes to brighten up.
Nightlight
Skultuna’s classically stylish Nattlight candlestick is available in silver-plated or polished brass and in several sizes. Nightlight was designed by Dutch designer Richard Hutten in 2016, who previously designed a candlestick of the same name for Skultuna. His other works can be seen in over 40 museums around the world, including the MoMa and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Nattlight is also available as an Advent candlestick, with four candle holders on a low base.
Roses
What makes Skultuna such a unique brand is its rich history – and its ability to resurrect it. The Rosen candlestick was relaunched in spring 2021 after its casting tool lay forgotten in the Skultuna archives for almost 40 years. The rose is inspired by a medieval seal with a Marian rose from Västerås Cathedral, but its classic design fits perfectly in today’s Swedish homes. The candlestick is made of polished brass and holds a candle.
pendulum
Designer and silversmith Pierre Forsell worked at Skultuna between 1955 and 1986, and during these years his work gave Swedish utility design a whole new status. Two of his sconces, “Pendel” and “Reflex”, are iconic products designed in the 1950s and 1960s. The Pendel is a minimalist wall light with a narrow design that creates an elegant impression on the wall. An updated version of Pendel was produced for a long time, but Skultuna has now returned to the original design.
Find your favorite from Skultuna at Tradera
Whether you’re looking for a specific item from Skultuna for your own home or to give as a gift, you should take a look here on Tradera. As well as finding interior design items at a better price, you may come across editions that are no longer in production – perfect for the collector or those who want to consume a little more sustainably.
