Barbro Nilsson carpet

This handwoven carpet titled Snäckorna was designed by Barbro Nilsson in 1943 and produced by Märta Måås-Fjetterström in Sweden. The piece is executed in wool on a linen warp using a tapestry weaving technique characteristic of the workshop’s mid-century textile production. Nilsson’s design combines geometric motifs with organic patterning, forming a rhythmic composition where repeated oval and diamond forms appear throughout the field. The pattern displays precise colour transitions and textural variation that demonstrate the high technical standard of the workshop.

The colour palette includes deep blues, muted burgundy tones, black accents, and lighter elements in cream and yellow. These colours are arranged in layered zigzag structures and scattered small motif groupings. The border employs a linear framing in soft golden tones, enclosing the central pattern. The ends are finished with braided fringes in natural linen tones. The initials BN are woven into the edge, identifying Barbro Nilsson as designer, a feature typical for carpets made by Märta Måås-Fjetterström.

Barbro Nilsson served as chief designer and later artistic director at the MMF workshop following the death of Märta Måås-Fjetterström in 1941. Her work is known for strong structural clarity, refined colour combinations, and the adaptation of Scandinavian textile traditions into modernist expressions. The workshop itself, founded in 1919, is one of Sweden’s most important textile institutions, recognised for producing handwoven carpets and tapestries of exceptionally high craftsmanship.

The carpet remains in good condition with small signs of usage consistent with age. The woven surface shows even wear, and colours appear well preserved with no major losses or restorations visible.

Dimensions: 275 × 195 cm (approximately 108.3 × 76.8 inches).