Biærghe – Nutida Svenskt Silver meets Norrviken

The name Bjäre originates from the Old Swedish word for mountain [berg], biærgh.

Along the hills of the Bjäre Peninsula there has existed a rich cultural life ever since the Bronze Age. Bjäre is a peninsula whose landscape throughout the centuries has inspired various cultural practitioners, and whose climate allows for small-scale agriculture to flourish. It was here that Rudolf Abelin (1864 –1961) combined these two qualities and founded Norrviken Gardens [Norrvikens trädgårdar] at the beginning of the 20th century. His vision was to share both aesthetic and practical knowledge with visitors. Since 2021, Bjäre and Norrviken have also been home to RAVINEN Kulturhus. RAVINEN was founded by a foundation established by the artists Ulla and Gustav Kraitz, who for a long time had envisioned a cultural centre on the Bjäre Peninsula.

In addition to the Norrviken Gardens with their unique botanical environments, which Rudolf Abelin could establish thanks to the climate, Bjäre has also attracted a wide range of artistic souls in different fields. It has continued to develop into a destination with an undeniable cultural presence. Here, Märta Måås-Fjetterström had her textile workshop, the world-renowned artist Birgit Nilsson had her home, and at the edge of Hovs Hallar, Ingmar Bergman filmed The Seventh Seal, in which a knight plays chess with Death.

Today, the Erik Paulsson family owns Norrviken and RAVINEN Kulturhus, as part of a vision to give back to the local community, and the association Contemporary Swedish Silver [Nutida Svenskt Silver] is now invited to contribute artwork with the aim of highlighting the unique attributes that characterises Bjäre, Norrviken Gardens, and RAVINEN. The exhibition is created in the hope of contributing to public awareness of how a local narrative can be interpreted through contemporary silver- and goldsmithing in a cavalcade of expressions.

Nutida Svenskt Silver is a group of silversmiths and goldsmiths who work in broad and innovative ways. They have been “contemporary” since 1963. Today, they express themselves through all types of materials and techniques. They create unique jewellery, objects, and items in limited editions. All manufacturing takes place in their own workshops. All members are selected by a review jury. Their ambition is to continually find new ways and contexts in which to meet the public.

Participants: Albin Josephson, Anna Nordström, Anna ”Conni” Hultberg, Annika Dævel, August Happ, Aviva Scheiman, Beata Alfredsson Grahn, Caroline Lindholm, Catarina Hällzon, Christina Sommarström, Christine Ramel, Emma Rapp, Filip Palmén, Hanna Havdell, Helena Sandström, Hubert Hydman, Ingrid Bärndal, Jenny Edlund, Josefine Davidsson, Judit Fritz, Kajsa Avila, Karolina Hägg, Katarina Henriksson, Magnus Liljedahl, Margareth Sandström, Maria Börjesson, Marianne Hellman, Marion Tang, Mia Larsson, Niki Ulfstedt, Niklas Ejve, Nora Hellsén, Pamela Wilson, Pernilla Sylwan, Pierce Healey, Sara Borgegård, Sarah Hurtigkarl, Simon Westling, Sofia Eriksson, Tobias Birgersson, Tove Knuts, Åsa Elmstam

Photo: Sara Danielsson / From the anniversary book Tala Silver.