BARBRO NILSSON (Swedish, 1899-1983)
Falurutan Gul (“Yellow Squares”) Flatweave Carpet for MMF, ca. 1955
Handwoven wool
10’8” x 8’ (128” x 96”)
Barbro Nilsson, one of the most renowned designers and master weavers of Sweden’s midcentury boom, studied at Johanna Brunsson’s school for weavers in Stockholm, earning early recognition for her work. She was selected as director at Märta Måås-Fjetterström’s atelier after the founder’s death, working at MMF during its most successful years from 1942 – 1970 while also teaching textiles at Konstfack, the College of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm, from 1947 - 1957.
Nilsson created pieces of her own design and from other artists’ cartoons, weaving a special commission for the H55 exhibition, a pivotal international showing of architecture, design, and art. Drawing her inspiration from nature, the sea, and folk art, a number of the iconic designs from Märta Måås-Fjetterström are attributed to Nilsson. Her designs influenced later generations of weavers who adopted her color and design style, and her works remain installed at the Gustaf Adolf Church in Helsingborg and at St. Mark’s Church in Stockholm, as well as in the collection of the National Museum in Stockholm.
