Nobeldukningen
In December every year is it time for one of the world’s most attentive events-the Nobel Prize. Over a thousand guests are invited and have a nice dinner at the beautifully decorated table during the evening. For the 25th year in a row, Klässbols Linneväveri is highly represented. This through 500 meters fabrics in noble linen and 1350 generous napkins that measures 70×70 cm.
In 1991, the result of a unique collaboration between some of Sweden’s most skilled designers and quality-conscious manufacturers was launched. The idea behind the project was the art historian Åke Livstedt and architect Magnus Silfverhielm. On behalf of the Nobel Foundation, a proposal for renewal, both on the ceremonial framing and on the banquet itself, was prepared for the celebration of the Nobel Prize 90th anniversary in 1991.
The decision was made to create brand new parts for the tablecloth, and Orrefors, Rörstrand, Gense and Klässbols Linneväveri were assigned the assignment within their respective areas, and Gunnar Cyrén, Karin Björquist and Ingrid Dessau were responsible for the design. For the textile design, Ingrid Dessau, an outstanding designer who became an artistic breakthrough in 1953, was responsible for a joint exhibition with Signe Persson Melin at Galerie Moderne in Stockholm. After this she was appointed first designer at Kasthall and during her time there signed several carpets in their collection
After we got a job at Klässbols Linneväveri, a lot of work took off and two looms were built for the purpose. All weaving was made in mechanical looms, one with jacquard and one in handle, all in satin binding. The tablecloth chair became the widest in the company’s history with a weave width of 210 cm to cover the hall table. No cloth was under 10 meters long and a total of 500 meters of cloth was used during the Nobel banquet. The napkins are generous and have the Nobel emblem stewarded in one corner. At the tablecloth, the napkin is placed on the assiets and through the special Nobelvikningen, the bread can be placed in it to hold it warm for dinner. It was a time-consuming job to weave the 1350 napkins. A job that lasted for a year. A unique part of the project was that the tablecloths would be woven with natural unbleached untreated linen. The reasons for this were partly from an environmental perspective, but also because the unbleached gray cloth would serve as a stage for glassware, crockery, cutlery and flower arrangements.
On December 10th it was time to showcase the world’s most celebrated festival for the 25th consecutive year. A honorable assignment that we appreciate at Klässbols Linneväveri. Again, 1350 guests enjoy a unique event and get acquainted with parts of our Swedish heritage in the form of textiles, glasses and crockery.
