Stig Lindberg

Stig Lindberg (1916–1982) was born and raised in Umeå, the City of Birches, something that is also reflected in one of his most beloved porcelain settings, Berså. His creations and illustrations have provided Sweden with household goods and design since the 1930s. His enormous productivity, eagerness to experiment and ability to be functional without suppressing his imagination have made him one of our most beloved designers.

From the end of the 1930s, he was active as artistic director at Gustavsberg’s porcelain factory under two periods. It was an exciting and dynamic time for Lindberg and his contemporary designers and artists. The factory was ground-breaking in terms of materials and colours. Perhaps they were also inspired by the need for “beauty in everyday life” for everyone – a concept that included the combination of functionality and aesthetics and that was, above all, to be available even for those less well off. It also included the idea of popular education. Between his periods at Gustavsberg’s porcelain factory, Lindberg served as the head teacher in ceramics at Konstfack in Stockholm, where he became a professor in 1970. Lindberg continued designing tableware for Gustavsberg during this time.

The exhibit includes about 350 pieces, including porcelain, wallpaper, textiles, industrial designs, illustrations and art. This ranges from his first student projects to his final works and never-before-seen material from the Lindberg family’s collection.

In collaboration with Millesgården and Lars Dueholm-Lindberg, Stig’s son and manager of Stig Lindberg’s legacy. The exhibition is a part of the celebration of Umeå 400 years.