Conditions Governing Use

The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Custodial History

The collection was donated by John and Laila Pearsall and Eric Lipman in 1986.

Preferred Citation

Scandinavian Design Collection (SC-15). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Processing Information

All material was left in its original state and was arranged according to designer.

Historical Note

With a focus on functionality and simplicity, the Scandinavian design movement began in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland in the 1950s. One of the primary drivers of the Scandinavian style was that everyday items could be made beautiful, modern, and affordable to everyone. This sentiment most likely emerged as the result of a new wave of social democracy in the years after World War II, coupled with the increased availability of low-cost materials and improved methods of mass production. Typically, Scandinavian design products utilizes pressed wood, plastic, enameled aluminum, or pressed steel in its construction.

Arrangement

The collection is organized into one series.

Series 1

Design Files, 1955-1960, undated