Sigvard Bernadotte

Sigvard Bernadotte was the prince who became an internationally famed industrial designer. During his long career, he formed everything from thermal flasks to can openers and worktops. It's no wonder that he usually goes by the nickname "Design Prince".

Sigvard Bernadotte was the son of Gustav VI Adolf and Crown Princess Margareta but he lost his title when he chose to marry a girl without royal birth. He showed an early artistic talent and was accepted to the College of Arts in Stockholm. During this time, Sigvard Bernadotte met Georg Jensen and soon started designing bowls, candlesticks and other objects from rich silver metal. The young prince had a bold and modern design taste, which was a welcome contrast to Georg Jensen's classic Art Nouveau style. He paved the way for a more serviceable style, which was of great importance to Georg Jensen's future.

Sigvard Bernadotte was one of the first in Sweden to coin the word industrial designer and over the years he created some of today's most loved everyday items. Most famous is the Virrvarr pattern that he designed for the so-called Perstorps table in 1958. Today you can find this pattern on kitchen benches and table tops in old kitchens, but also in new ones - the timeless pattern is still produced and loved today.