Swedish Folk Weavings for Marriage, Carriage, and Home 1750-1840

This spring, step into the rural Swedish countryside of the 18th and 19th centuries when the exhibition Swedish Folk Weavings for Marriage, Carriage, and Home 1750-1840 opens at the American Swedish Historical Museum (ASHM) in FDR Park. Composed of rare and artful cushions and bed covers woven and stitched by skilled women for their households, this exhibition will enchant visitors of all ages with whimsical designs created using a variety of methods and featuring real and mythical creatures, geometric patterns, and floral motifs of all kinds. The majority of the textiles featured in this exhibition were done by women living on farms in southern Sweden where skill in weaving and textile production was considered an important resource to bring to a household. While the decline of this textile tradition happened as farming life changed, the cushions and pillows became “Sunday Culture,” appearing only Sundays and special occasions rather than every day. This undoubtedly preserved their bright colors and delicate structures so that we can appreciate them today. ASHM is excited to share a piece of the Swedish countryside and rural lifestyle with visitors in the United States. Swedish Folk Weavings for Marriage, Carriage, and Home 1750-1840 will be on view at ASHM from March 15, 2024 through September 22, 2024. Admission is included with ASHM general tickets. ASHM is open Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and weekends 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Swedish Folk Weavings for Marriage, Carriage, and Home was developed in collaboration with Wendel and Diane Swan whose collection is primarily featured in the exhibition. We are grateful for support from the ASHM Auxiliary, Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, Midsommarklubben, Red Moose Charitable Trust, SWEA Philadelphia, and an anonymous foundation. Funding for the American Swedish Historical Museum is supported by grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.