Greta Magnusson Grossman retrospective, Stockholm
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Swedish furniture designer and architect Greta Magnusson Grossman may not have achieved quite the fame of her contemporaries, Charles and Ray Eames, but, a decade after her death, she still has a devoted following. Now her star is being heralded in the first major retrospective of her work in Stockholm's Arkitekturmuseet (opens in new tab) and the launch of a new book, 'Greta Magnusson Grossman: A Car and Some Shorts'.
Both chart the story and works behind Grossman's 40-year career. Her unique take on Swedish modernism proved a huge hit in the US when she moved there from Stockholm in 1940. The lamps she produced for the likes of Barker Brothers spawned so many copies that they have become icons of mid-century style.
Grossman's furniture for brands including Glenn of California is also sought after for its unique mix of materials, such as colourful textiles and California walnut juxtaposed with black plastic laminate and wrought iron. The slender proportions of her pieces also makes them instantly recognisable.
The exhibition at Arkitekturmuseet -- in collaboration with New York's R 20th Century (opens in new tab) -- also features architectural models, photographs and film clips. It's curious title refers to Grossman's number one objective upon arrival to the US: to 'buy a car and some shorts'. It was her first step toward self-Americanisation.
’Grasshopper’ floor lamps designed Grossman for Ralph O. Smith, Burbank, California, 1947-48.
Desk in walnut and wrought iron with black laminate surface, produced by Glenn of California, Los Angeles, 1952. ’Good Design’ chair in walnut, produced by Glenn of California, 1952. Table lamp with one cone shade and one ’Cobra’ shade, produced by Ralph O. Smith, 1948-49. Photograph by Sherry Griffin/R 20th Century.
Floor lamps produced by Ralph O. Smith 1947-1949.
Sideboard in walnut with cane shelf, produced by Glenn of California, 1954. Table lamp with three arms and conical shades, produced by Ralph O. Smith, 1948-49. Photograph by Sherry Griffin/R20th Century.
Greta Magnusson Grossman installation at the Arkitekturmuseet
Full scale reproduction of Grossman’s living room in Beverly Hills, circa 1949.
Selection of storage units produced by Glenn of California, 1952.
Dining table and chairs produced by Glenn of California, 1952-54.
Model of Grossman residence in Beverly Hills, 1956-57.
Greta Magnusson Grossman circa 1949, photographer unknown.
’Greta Magnusson Grossman: A Car and Some Shorts’ by Andrea Codrington. The cover features an untitled textile
ADDRESS
Arkitekturmuseet
Skeppsholmen
SE-111 49 Stockholm
Sweden
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
-
From darkness to everlasting light: all you need to know about the first Islamic Arts Biennale
Rebecca Anne Proctor travels to Jeddah to explore the world’s first Islamic Arts Biennale (until 23 April), a monumental survey of Islamic arts and culture in the religion’s birthplace, modern-day Saudi Arabia
By Rebecca Anne Proctor • Published
-
A Sydney adventure: discover art and architecture, design and dance
See the best Sydney architecture, design, craft, cuisine and more. Ahead of World Pride 2023, Wallpaper* Australia editor Elias Redstone offers an insider’s view to you plan your trip
By Elias Redstone • Published
-
Last chance to see: Theaster Gates’ ‘Young Lords and Their Traces’ at the New Museum
Theaster Gates talks about his first US museum show, ‘Young Lords and Their Traces’ at The New Museum (until 5 February 2023), a moving homage to the creative forces who came before
By Pei-Ru Keh • Published