A Good Aye

Gallery owner Andrew Duncanson, in his Östermalm, Stockholm shop.



Modernity, one of Stockholm's leading shops for 20th century design, is the culmination of nearly 10 year's hard word by Scotsman Andrew Duncanson. The shop has grown dramatically since its inception in 1998 and several years ago moved from its initial location in the Old Town, to a larger space in the heart of the city's design district, Östermalm. Duncanson, who moved to Stockholm without speaking a word of the language but determined to woo a Swedish girl he'd fallen for, has become a primary source for collectors and curators worldwide.




Charlottenborg lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, Denmark. 1958.
D: 65 cm/ 25 ½''
Price: 8 500 SEK (about $1200)




Vase, designed by Estrid Ericsson for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden. 1930.
Pewter with brass inlay.
H: 22 cm/ 9''
Price: 9 500 SEK (about $1400)




Earrings, designed by Nanna Ditzel for Georg Jensen, Denmark. 1950's.
18 carat gold.
Price: 5 000 SEK (about $725)



Modernity specializes in Scandinavian furniture, ceramics, glass, lighting and jewellery, primarily of the post-war era, and often features the work of such legendary artist-designers as Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto, Berndt Friberg and Hans Wegner. It's a fantastic (read, trustworthy) source for iconic designs. However, though Duncanson works closely with professionals in the field and retails museum-quality pieces, he also makes an effort to encourage new collectors and offers a large selection of interesting and beautiful pieces by lesser known, and sometimes anonymous, artists. The lower-price tier is as carefully curated as the high-end collection.




Set of four "Strip" chairs, designed by Giijs Baaker for Casteljin, Holland. 1970's.
Ash plywood.
Price: 14 500 SEK (about $2100)




Vase, designed by Gertrud Lönegren for Rörstrand, Sweden. 1940's.
H: 26 cm/ 10''
Price: 7 500 SEK (about $1,000)



Modernity has long been a member of the Swedish Art & Antiques Association and CINOA, making it a safe and ideal source for online shopping. Prices are fair, and shipping's made simple. The award-winning website is updated frequently with Duncanson's ever-evolving and carefully-chosen collection.



www.modernity.se