Swedish Modern: Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson and Svenskt Tenn is a “coloring book of magical interiors” and a playful introduction to the philosophy and heritage of the legendary Swedish interior design and furniture company, Svenskt Tenn. Founded in 1924 by the pioneering design entrepreneur Estrid Ericson, the company was joined ten years later by Austrian designer and architect Josef Frank. Together, they opposed the rigid modernism that dominated at the time and created a style that was full of variety, fantasy, humor and elegance that would become known as Swedish Modern.

To tell the story of this special relationship in Swedish design history, Boco developed a unique format – a hybrid design history and coloring book. Published by Thames & Hudson, the book brings the story to a large and diverse public worldwide, including general readers, design enthusiasts and professionals.

The book mixes texts with line drawings, full-page color reproductions of Josef Frank’s fantastical prints and furniture pieces, the designer’s own sketches, archival photographs and Estrid Ericson’s imaginative room and table settings to give the reader insight into the creative process and design philosophy of Frank, Ericson and Svenskt Tenn.

Art direction by Christian Altmann and graphic design by Henrik Stelzer, both Ateljé Altmann.

Photographs (right) by Christoffer Dalkarls.