Established in the heart of Stockholm in 1870, Bukowskis is more than a simple auction house: it is a beacon guiding art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. While deeply anchored in the Nordic region, its influence extends far beyond, thanks to the global Bonhams network, amplifying its reach from Stockholm to Sydney. Bukowskis’ successful approach integrates live auctions, online bidding, and private sales. The pulsating heart of the activity can be found in the historic Berzelii Park premises, home to all exhibitions and live auctions since the 19th century.
In the auction house landscape, Bukowskis stands out for its commitment to promoting the Scandinavian design scene, boasting a broad network of international clients and collectors. Its offer ranges from 18th-century works to contemporary pieces, but the real crown jewel is Scandinavian vintage furniture, particularly Swedish pine furniture. Global trends are reflected in buyers’ preferences, who are now shifting from traditional markets in Paris and London to the new frontier of Los Angeles. This dynamism reflects Bukowskis’ capacity to keep pace with a continuously evolving global market.
For Bukowskis, engaging contemporary designers and serving as a bridge between vintage and modern represents not only a challenge but also a mission. “The collectible design scene has been on the rise for several years,” says Jonatan Jahn, Head Specialist Contemporary and Modern Design at Bukowskis. “It’s a clear phenomenon emerging from all international fairs: collectors are genuinely starting to show interest in purchasing design.”
How does an auction house specialized in Scandinavian design operate? Do they focus on a collector’s taste or suggest pieces so that collectors instruct their interior decorator to find a specific piece? “We rarely work with a designer,” continues Jahn. “But once a year, during the Stockholm Design Week, we offer a contemporary designer.”
This year, it was Fredrik Paulsen’s turn. The Swedish designer was chosen by Bukowskis for a creative challenge in 2022: produce 33 items in 33 days. This project gave birth to the “Foundation of Joy” auction, presented during the Stockholm Design Week, held from 7th to 13th February. Paulsen is the founder of Joy, an independent furniture brand that combins a contemporary style with an innovative approach to marketing and collections, delivered through limited releases and unique pieces.
The “Foundation of Joy” project, commissioned by Bukowskis and presented during the Stockholm Design Week, includes 33 unique items ranging from chairs and benches to tables, sideboards, and shelves. Using Joy’s designs as a starting point, Paulsen independently crafted each piece, dedicating an entire day to each.
The decision to collaborate with Paulsen reflects Bukowskis’ mission: to offer collectors a unique experience that expands beyond the boundaries of the traditional and the predictable, addressing a new generation of art lovers. Bukowskis, with over 150 years in business and based in Stockholm, is much more than an auction house. It is a benchmark in the auction industry, catalysing sellers and buyers of fine art from all over the world. Although it has strong Nordic roots, its influence extends beyond national borders through its collaboration with the Bonhams network, establishing a worldwide presence with auction houses spread from Stockholm to Sydney.
But respecting tradition does not mean giving up on challenging convention. Bukowskis’ self-imposed mission to act as a bridge between vintage and contemporary design is a testament to his commitment to pushing the design scene forward in innovative ways.
Paulsen quickly established himself on the Swedish design scene thanks to his contemporary style combined with an innovative approach to marketing and production. The decision to collaborate with Paulsen reflects Bukowski’s mission: to offer collectors a unique experience that transcends the boundaries of the traditional and predictable and appeals to a new generation of art lovers.
