Dinner knives
Classification(s):
Metal
Date: 1955
Organisation: A.B. Gense (Swedish)
Designer: Folke Arström (Swedish, 1907 - 1997)
Dimensions:
232 × 154 mm (23.2 × 15.4 cm)
Medium: Stainless Steel, Nylon
Object number: M153
Place of Production:Sweden
Title:Focus de Luxe
DescriptionSet of 6 stainless steel dinner knives, designed by Folke Arström. Manufactured by Gense, made in Sweden. The dinner knives are in their original window box, and are from the 'Focus de Luxe' range, no. 20309. The knives are made from stainless steel with nylon handles.
A makers stamp is engraved on the back of each knife “Gense 18-8 Stainless Steel”. A product information leaflet is included in the box, detailing the Focus de Luxe range.
A makers stamp is engraved on the back of each knife “Gense 18-8 Stainless Steel”. A product information leaflet is included in the box, detailing the Focus de Luxe range.
ProvenanceThis object was originally acquired for the Inner London Education Authority’s (ILEA) ‘Circulating Design Scheme’ collection.
The collection was instigated by the London Country Council (later the Greater London Council) and the Council of Industrial Design (COID). The collection’s original purpose was concerned with the teaching and dissemination of modern, ‘good design’.
The collection was established in 1951/52 as the ‘Experiment in Design Appreciation’, later renamed the ‘Circulating Design Scheme’.
The Circulating Design Scheme lent boxed showcases to London schools. The showcases contained handling objects, material samples and interpretation on a specific subject.
COID withdrew its involvement in the Scheme in 1957. After which time, it was managed exclusively by the London County Council from 1957-1963.
After the administrative restructuring of London authorities, the Scheme was jointly managed by the Greater London Council and the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1963 – 1976.
The Scheme was operational until 1976 when the collections were withdrawn from circulation. ILEA was abolished in the late 1980s and the collection was donated to Camberwell College of Arts in 1989/90.
ILEA was responsible for secondary and tertiary education in the inner London boroughs, this included Camberwell.
The collection was instigated by the London Country Council (later the Greater London Council) and the Council of Industrial Design (COID). The collection’s original purpose was concerned with the teaching and dissemination of modern, ‘good design’.
The collection was established in 1951/52 as the ‘Experiment in Design Appreciation’, later renamed the ‘Circulating Design Scheme’.
The Circulating Design Scheme lent boxed showcases to London schools. The showcases contained handling objects, material samples and interpretation on a specific subject.
COID withdrew its involvement in the Scheme in 1957. After which time, it was managed exclusively by the London County Council from 1957-1963.
After the administrative restructuring of London authorities, the Scheme was jointly managed by the Greater London Council and the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1963 – 1976.
The Scheme was operational until 1976 when the collections were withdrawn from circulation. ILEA was abolished in the late 1980s and the collection was donated to Camberwell College of Arts in 1989/90.
ILEA was responsible for secondary and tertiary education in the inner London boroughs, this included Camberwell.
NotesFolke Arström began his career as an artist and industrial designer in the 1930s. He was the Artistic Director for A.B Gense in Sweden for 20 years. When launched, the ‘Focus de Luxe’ range received much attention by the design community because of its functional design. Folke Arström designed the knife blade short and triangular, this meant the cutting edge is only as long as is necessary for its purpose. The fork is slightly rounded with short tines, meaning it can be used for piercing as well as spooning liquids. The spoon has a short bowl, allowing you to eat from the side of the spoon.
Founded in 1856, A.B. Gense is one of the leading cutlers in Europe. The company manufactured stainless steel, cutlery and kitchenware.
Founded in 1856, A.B. Gense is one of the leading cutlers in Europe. The company manufactured stainless steel, cutlery and kitchenware.
