Flatware set
Classification(s):
Metal
Date: c.1944
Organisation: A.B. Gense (Swedish)
Designer: Folke Arström (Swedish, 1907 - 1997)
Dimensions:
30 × 240 mm (3 × 24 cm)
Medium: Stainless steel
Object number: M209F
Place of Production:Sweden
Title:Thebe
DescriptionStainless steel ‘Thebe’ flatware set in original box, designed by Folke Arström in c.1944. Manufactured by Gense, made in Sweden. The 6 piece place setting includes 2 table knives, 2 table forks, a dessert spoon and a table spoon.
Makers mark ‘Gense extra stainless Sweden’ to the reverse of each piece of cutlery.
Makers mark ‘Gense extra stainless Sweden’ to the reverse of each piece of cutlery.
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The Scheme was operational until 1976 when the collections were withdrawn from circulation.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 AB Gense in Sweden for 20 years. The ‘Thebe’ range was inspired by the styling of ancient Egypt.
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.
