Swedese and Sara N Bergman in a sustainable art collaboration
From Worn-Out Lamino Fabrics to Unique Works of Art
In Swedese's collaboration with artist Sara N Bergman, old support fabrics that have been in Lamino easy chairs for decades are given a new role—as artworks.
In a converted mission house in Höganäs, artist Sara N Bergman sits on the concrete floor of her painting room, spreading out old linen fabrics in front of her. These fabrics carry a long history—they have spent many years beneath sheepskin covers in a Lamino armchair. Now, they are about to be given new life as art.
To extend the lifespan of their customers’ Lamino easy chairs, Swedese has, in recent years, started taking in worn-out chairs and restoring them to their original condition—ready to be loved for many years to come. When the chairs arrive at Swedese’s two factories in Småland, the sheepskin and linen fabric are removed to make way for new upholstery. The goal is to reuse as much of the old material as possible - even the worn-out fabrics.
“We want to show that the future holds new possibilities. Sometimes, we need to reevaluate what things truly are. In this case, we chose to repurpose an old support fabric from the chairs. These fabrics have served their function for decades, and now they become artworks that will last just as long,” says Linus Davidsson, head of Swedese’s refurbishment service, Repair.
The edges of the fabrics are rugged and frayed, their colors uneven, and here and there, stains and marks reveal years of use. Sara carefully selects the pieces with the most beautiful patina to paint on.
One of the unique artworks that Sara has created for Swedese
Sara N Bergman Photo: Jesper Brandt
“I was thrilled when Swedese presented this idea of refurbishing chairs and reusing as much of the old material as possible. I love upcycling, and you simply can’t fake this kind of wear. The stains and lines are beautiful because they exist as a result of time and use,” says Sara, running her hand over the heavy fabric.
“I love this slightly rough surface—you really have to work the paint in with the brush. And I enjoy finding an old stain and placing it right where I’m painting an eye, so it becomes part of the shadow.”
"It's so beautiful with all the stains and lines -they exist on the fabrics because they have been worn and used."
On the rustic wooden table, small ceramic dishes filled with paint sit crowded among large urns overflowing with brushes and pens. Nearby, Kerstin, a French bulldog, snores loudly in a fluffy dog bed, while stacks of old paintings lean against the corner with their backs facing out. These are what Sara paints on in her daily work.
She buys old paintings that have been collecting dust at thrift stores, flips them around, and paints her signature portraits on the backs. Her reverse paintings have gained widespread popularity and are now displayed in galleries around the world. Most often, she paints women—women with slightly skewed proportions and broad necks.
“I find inspiration in sculptures at museums. They often have quirky proportions, like a small head and a large body—just like my women, who have wrestler necks and tiny heads,” says Sara, adding the final touch to the chin of one of the many faces now adorning the Lamino fabrics.
The old becomes something new, the functional transforms into art. Where history and the future meet, something timeless is created.
The artworks will be exhibited in Swedese's showroom at Malmtorgsgatan 5 in Stockholm.
On April 10, the exhibition will be open to the public, offering a chance to purchase the artworks.