We wanted to share a few postcards from our recent trip to Norway, where we learnt more about Norwegian fabrics and styles. We were warmly hosted by a wealth of experts covering textiles, trade, architecture, upholstery, tailoring and historic building preservation. We had the privilege of spending time with some wonderful people whilst we were there, and we want to say a very sincere thank you for the hospitality shown to us. Upholding the discretion of our clients here are a few of our other trip highlights.
Norwegian Fabrics on display
Oslo Opera House
The roof of this building was designed to be walkable and gives great views of the city, at ground level they also have windows into the vast costume department,
Queen Sonja Art Stable; Threads in Time
We were lucky enough to visit the Queen Sonja Art Stable in Oslo to see Threads in Time, a major exhibition showcasing rare Norwegian tapestries woven between 1890 and 1955.
Nasjonal Museet (National museum)
After learning more deeply about the historic ties between Britain, Norway and our royal families we were excited to see gowns worn by Queen Maud and Queen Sonja. We also saw many Spitalfields silks, alongside Norwegian fabrics, costumes, embroidery, decorative arts and furniture. This is a fantastic museum that definitely requires more than one visit!
We joined a fascinating English tour that covered the magnificent state rooms across two floors, featuring key highlights like the Council Chamber, the Grand Ballroom, and the interactive history of Norway’s reigning monarchy
Heia Norge!
We also found ourselves in Oslo during the football teams’ historic round of 32 win over the Ivory Coast. We soaked up the atmosphere and even joined in the Norwegian row that captured the imagination of a global audience.
Onto Bergen
The journey itself, by train from Oslo to Bergen, was spectacular. Having the time to travel that way, through that landscape, felt truly special. After a very busy week of meetings, we just managed to walk enough to stay awake for the midnight sunset
Food
Norway is the second-largest seafood exporter in the world, so we enjoyed a number of fish and seafood dishes. A celebration of fresh and locally sourced!
If you have a historic textile or Norwegian fabric you would like to discuss recreating or are interested in bespoke textiles for a more contemporary scheme please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Takk Norge,
Natalie & Charlotte