Swedish Summer at Heal’s 2015

Many of you will know just how much I love all things Scandinavian. Well this summer, Heal’s is hosting a Swedish extravaganza that is not to be missed. Swedish Summer at Heal’s, taking place from 27 July to 23 August, will involve a pop-up market showcasing Swedish designer brands alongside some of the country’s signature food, fashion and lifestyle.

Eighteen Swedish brands will sell their wares, from furniture and lighting to textures, accessories and ceramics (House of Rym, Design House Stockholm, Skultuna and Swedish Hasbeens, to name a few), while there will also be networking events and workshops, including flower headband-making, Swedish embroidery and quilt-making. Ticket holders to events will also be treated to a cinnamon bun and a coffee – a little break in the day that the Swedes like to call ‘fika’.

In fact, celebrating Swedish design is nothing new to Heal’s, following the introduction of Scandinavian furniture to the store, and the UK, in 1951, Heal’s hosted several Scandi events, including one in 1971 that had a smorgasbord on the fourth floor, a Swedish bar cellar in the basement and a cannon from a Swedish warship at the entrance!

“With long, cold winters Scandinavian life has revolved around the domestic interior and the home has had to be a very cosy place appealing to everyone. However, things are changing. The deeply rooted perception of Swedish design with simple stylistic consistency can no longer be taken for granted and Swedish design is becoming more exciting and diverse. Swedish designers are also increasingly focused on sustainability, and many have adopted a cross-disciplinary approach to their work, where art, craft and design are mixed and matched,” says Nicola Clase, ambassador at the Embassy of Sweden

Workshops:

Flower headband making for children with Gabriella & Octavia
Saturday 8th August, £10, 10.00-11.30am

Flower headband making for adults with Gabriella & Octavia
Saturday 15th August, £15, 5.00-6.30pm

Learn embroidery Swedish style with Eva Höög
Tuesday 4th August & Tuesday 11th August, £10, 12.00-1.30pm

Learn how to cross stitch with Sarah Evander
Wednesday 12th August, £10, 12.00-1.30pm

How to knit a soft toy with Margareta Wallin
Monday 3rd August & Monday 10th August, £10, 12.00-1.30pm

Quilting curves workshop with Jenny Haynes
Friday 7th August & Friday 14th August, £10, 12.00-1.30pm