Fun facts
SPECIAL FACT 1
A Culinary Symphony:
Studio Frantzén and Gense Unite at Harrods
In 2022, Studio Frantzén, opened atop Harrods, unveiled its exquisite Nordic-Asian fusion cuisine, presented with an unmistakable touch of Scandinavian sophistication. Collaborating with Frantzen Projects, Gense introduced a bespoke cutlery line that perfectly complements the restaurant’s ambiance. The cutlery, known for its soft, sculpted curves and meticulous detailing, encapsulates a contemporary Nordic aesthetic. With craftsmanship of the highest order, it merges seamlessly with a lean and minimalist design, resulting in an elegant, timeless ensemble. Beyond aesthetics, this cutlery boasts exceptional ergonomic and functional qualities, elevating the dining experience to a level of artistry that mirrors the culinary excellence of Studio Frantzén.
still
by Frantzén Projects
SPECIAL FACT 2
A SYMPHONY OF ELEMENTS:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NOBEL TABLE SETTING
In the 1980s, Nobel celebrations were stuck in tradition, lacking the desired splendour for their 90th anniversary. That’s when Gunnar Cyrén came into play and designed the Nobel cutlery, taking cues from King Karl XIV Johan’s table silver, blending 18th-century opulence with contemporary dining.
The Nobel tablesetting is of a quaternary theme: the four original Nobel prizes Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Literature; the four seasons; the four continents of the earlier geographers; the four basic geometric shapes. A celebration of fine food, colours, flowers, and music.
© Nobel Prize Outreach. Photo: Clément Morin – The photo has been colour corrected.
SPECIAL FACT 3
GENSE KEEPS DESIGNING
AWARD WINNING CUTLERY
The series ‘Norm’ received the international Red Dot design award in 2022
in the Product Design category.
Norm impresses the observer with
its purist aesthetic, which results
from its clean lines and balanced
proportions
Statement by the Jury
SPECIAL FACT 4
A TESTAMENT TO ARTISTIC
HARMONY AT THE SWEDISH NATIONAL MUSEUM
In 2018, as the Swedish National Museum prepared for its grand reopening, an extraordinary vision of art and design emerged. Every element within the museum was meticulously curated to contribute to the holistic experience. One such masterpiece was the Ehra cutlery for the new restaurant, a creation by Note Studio. Far more than mere utensils, these pieces of cutlery were designed to transcend their functional roles, becoming integral parts of the museum’s artistic narrative. As visitors wandered through the museum’s galleries, Ehra seamlessly blended form and function, embodying the idea that every object within its walls had a story to tell, a testament to the harmonious fusion of art and design.
Photo credits: Linn Ahlgren / Nationalmuseum – The photo has been cropped
License: CC BY-SA
EHRA
by Note Design Studio
Photo credits: Linn Ahlgren / Nationalmuseum – The photo has been cropped
License: CC BY-SA
MORE FUN FACTS
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT CUTLERY?
Cutlery, a seemingly mundane part of our daily lives, often goes unnoticed as we reach for our forks, knives, and spoons. Yet, beneath the surface of this everyday essential lies a treasure trove of history, innovation, and fascinating stories. We use it without a second thought, but did you know that the design of our cutlery has evolved over centuries, reflecting cultural shifts, technological advancements, and festive events?
The fork was originally invented as a
tool for cooking, not for eating. It wasn’t
until the 16th century that forks began
to be used as utensils at the table.
The spork, a hybrid of
a spoon and a fork, was
first patented in 1874
by Samuel W. Francis.
The chopstick, a popular utensil in
many Asian countries, has been used for
thousands of years. The oldest known pair
of chopsticks dates to 1200 BCE.
In some cultures, it is considered impolite to
lick your knife or spoon. Instead, you should
use the utensil to scrape food off your plate
or bowl.
The fork was considered
a luxury item in medieval
Europe and was only used
by the wealthy.
During the Renaissance,
spoons were often given
as gifts and were sometimes
engraved with romantic
messages.
The tines of a fork are often
curved to make it easier to
pick up food.
The first forks had two prongs, but over
time, more prongs were added.
Today, most forks have four prongs.
In some countries, it is common to use a fork
and spoon together when eating. The fork is
used to push food onto the spoon, which is then
used to bring the food to your mouth.
The first metal knives were made
around 3,000 years ago in ancient
Rome and Greece.
The first stainless steel cutlery was produced in the
1920s and quickly became popular due to its durability
and resistance to stains and rust.
Spoons were likely invented before forks and
knives, with some of the earliest examples dating
back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and China.
We raise a fork and spoon to our
mouths 20,000 times a year. The
figure is, of course, approximate,
but neverthe[1]less provides an idea
of how important cutlery is to our
way of life.