The architect
Sigurd Lewerentz (1885-1975) is one of Sweden’s most famous architects internationally. Lewerentz’ long career as an architect included the development of national romanticism from around 1910 until around sixty years later, by which time beton brut, had taken over. During this period, he was a prominent exponent of 1920s classicism, 1930s functionalism and the brick architecture which reappeared in the post-war period. His wilfulness and artistic depth was nevertheless such that he was always going to follow his own path – one where matters of style would never be subordinate. It was the case, in fact, that his stubborn and introverted ways sometimes drew him into conflicts with clients. He never had a large office and, for several years from 1940 onwards, withdrew to his window factory in Eskilstuna.
The book – Lewerentz. A masterpiece
Grönlandet the buidling was completed in 1932, and is considered to be one of the most important modern buildings in Sweden. Many have visited the building in order to appreciate it as a work of art. We find ourselves confronted with a building where architectonic strength and beauty take centre stage, where irrationality prevails, where the office modules are of secondary importance and where asymmetry and irregularity are allowed to thrive within an overarching framework of symmetry and order.
The book Lewerentz. A Masterpiece is a richly illustrated book with many sketches and pictures from, among others, the ArkDes Lewerentz collection, the National Archives and the Nordic Museum.
