Although born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1897, Wiwen Nilsson, an artist, jeweler and silversmith, is today considered one of the giants of Swedish design. He is known worldwide for his innovative, colorful, functionalist and geometric designs.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he began an apprenticeship with his silversmith father at an early age. He created not only jewelry, but also sculptures and silver household objects.
In 1925, he received a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition of Decorative Arts.
Success led to an appointment as court jeweler in Sweden. His work has been exhibited in museums in several European cities, including the National Museum of Denmark.
Nilsson’s biggest breakthrough came in 1930, when his bold and innovative modernism received public recognition at the Stockholm Exhibition. Nilsson is now widely considered the father of modernism in Swedish jewellery.
In the 1940s, Nilsson ran a shop in New York City. He is known for his silver, tableware and, of course, jewellery. In the 1950s, Nilsson’s style evolved into Japanese-influenced naturalism.
Nilsson also made a gilded temple that was a gift to the Swedish king Gustaf VI for his 80th birthday. His works also include the bishop’s crosier in Lund and the seal of the University of Gothenburg, which he created in collaboration with artist Nils Vedel and remains the university’s logo.
He died in 1974 in Lund, Sweden.
