A bookcase, “Ekolsund”, from IKEA's 18th century series.

Description

Painted, with 7 fixed shelves. Branded.
Height 223, width 100, depth 27.5 cm.

Castles, kings and Gustavian chairs may not have been what had previously been associated with IKEA but in June 1993 the collection of 18th-century inspired furniture was unveiled at renowned botanist Carl von Linnaeus's birthplace Råshult outside Älmhult. A special brochure was produced, “Svenskt 1700-tal på IKEA” and a new piece of IKEA history was written.

The collection has an interesting history that began with the Medevi well in Motala. There was a threatened collection of unique 18th-century furniture that needed to be preserved. Swedish antiquarian Margareta Biörnstad turned to IKEA for support, and Ingvar Kamprad agreed to help. Together with design director Lennart Ekmark, they came to the conclusion that an 18th-century inspired collection would be a good fit for IKEA's 50th anniversary. The Swedish National Heritage Agency appointed Lars Sjöberg from the Nationalmuseum as a partner, and copies of 18th-century furniture were created.

The Swedish National Heritage Board set high standards for quality and fidelity to the Swedish tradition of craftsmanship. The copies were carefully checked by the immutable curator Sjöberg before they were stamped with the seal of the Swedish National Heritage Agency.Show more

Condition

Normal wear and tear. Stains.

Theme

Formstad's Selected