Konstnärshuset – The Swedish House of Artist´s in Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish House of Artist´s “Konstnärshuset” in downtown Stockholm, Sweden was built and stood finished 1899. Architect was Ludvig Petersen. It is my old neighbourhood were I used to live for 12 years from age 24 and onwards. It is kind of a posh area with a lot of culture around. So called “Fine art world”. The Royal Opera is in walking distance. The Royal Dramatic Theatre were Ingmar Bergman used to direct plays and Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman went to acting school when Dramaten as it is mostly called, had one. Sothebys has a bransch not far from the house and other auction houses. One being the Swedish Bukowskis auction house for example. Very prestigious and a great place to walk in and enjoy the art before its auctioned. Many tourists pass by Konstnärshuset (House of Artist´s) maybe not knowing what a great building and what great history it has.
I seriously recommend going there for a visit for the sake of the art first and foremost. Because it is there. Around the corner and on a parallel street there is a famous old restaurant “Prinsen”, which together with “Konstnärshusets” own restaurant and pub called Konstnärsbaren, KB for short, have always been a place where writers, artists and others have hang around. Regardless of the new crowd that now populates the area as well. In the end of 1800´s and beginning of 1900´s, PARIS in France have been an intellectual and artistic inspiration. not the only inspiration, but nontheless a strong influence. Therefore many Swedish expats in Paris coming home, and those who have come home, I guess have had Prinsen as a substitute for french artistic life on restaurants and cafés. Prinsen have been at the same address since 1897. Prinsen´s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Prinsensthlm. Late 90´s, maybe around 1997, 98, 99? Life Gallery, Life Foundation had an exhibition in support for Aids/Hiv at Prinsen. I exhibited two pencil drawings. Concept was ”JUL”, which means ”Christmas” as it was around christmas time it was held. (in Swedish JUL actually means both a wheel/Wheels as well as Christmas).
Today the area is posh – although still cultural for those who can see it behind the high end label store signs and windows, and bling bling people. In the night inhabited by those who have too much money for their own good – and useally money their parents own. Or rich dudes who passed their pension year years ago, and have coloured their hair and drive Ferrari’s in conjunction with a tall blonde with expensive clothing – and big boobs. Parking his Ferrari so you can notice it. And where rich and famous people do walk and drive the streets with expensive cars, bikes and vespas. If you are into that. And the wannabee´s who like to be seen as someone and those who may be someone but equally like to hang around at the expensive bars and nightclubs.
Photo by Frankie Fouganthin
But it is also inhabited by ordinary people and those who simply enjoy art and culture for it´s own sake regardless if they are rich or poor. Because it is a very nice area to just walk around and sip coffee and eat – and look at people if you are into that. And enjoy the culture all though the price tag if I may call it, is in the high end levels.
Back to the Konstnärshuset – Swedish House of Artists. Because a stupid decision on a 25 year long lease contract made already at that time over 100 years ago when the house was built, conflicts have always lurked around. Stupid ones. Seemingly hindering needed repairs to the house. Or something in that line. It´s an official secret so to say.
Google Maps, click to view more
I am not a member myself. But I know artists who are members. And they have always told stories about how stupid their conflicts are. There are two clubs. One of course being for men only. And you can understand how stupid that is considering that historically the women have payed as much for the house even being built financially as the men. Add the very fact that women always have been more culture consumers than men have. And the other club being for both sexes.
But if we artists, illustrators, musicians, architects and other artistic disciplines – and other mortals simply enjoy the house for itself, it is a great place. With a great history. And the very fact it is owned by the artists in probably among one the most expensive areas, addresses in all of Stockholm.
Part from having public art exhibitions , you can rent the space.
In the early 90´s I organized a Soiré together with a girl/woman of my own age. She directed the play by Sartre. I made the scenography/stage set design. And I invited/booked friends of mine who were professional opera singers, violinists and pianists who all performed classical music to a select crowed who ate and enjoyed a wonderful evening. We had almost the whole house for our soire. It was great fun and great work.
Here some articles for more read about the house.
Official website
http://www.konstnarshuset.com/
Official Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/konstnarshuset.skf
Architect Björn Näsvall (Not the Google translate “Bear Näsvall”), who was interviewed when he considered donating money to the renovation of the entire house.
http://translate.google.se/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dn.se%2Fkultur-noje%2Fkonst-form%2Fkonstnarshuset-kan-raddas-av-donator%2F
Stefan Lindblad
Illustrator, artist, graphic designer
www.canvas.nu
