Den svenska möbeltillverkningen 1850-1950 (Swedish Furniture Manufacturing), Sverker Jonsson (book)

For anyone interested in how and by whom furniture was made in the past, this book gives a broad overview of the development of furniture manufacturing, from the agriculture-linked proto-industry of the 19th century to the breakthrough of a traditional industry in the 1950s. While an efficient, rationalized industry emerged, a vital and successful furniture craft lived on in small industry. Several towns in the Småland highlands and surrounding areas came to be dominated by furniture making.

The account takes an industry perspective but also covers the growth of individual companies. The background is discussed in terms of natural conditions, energy resources, labour supply and market conditions. Technical developments, with the spread of electricity and new, more efficient machines, are studied, and the availability of skilled joiners, architects and entrepreneurs is emphasized. The lively founding of companies is explained by low capital costs and former employees' ambition to be their own masters. Industry concentration is discussed in terms of cluster theory.

Based on systematically collected and analysed information, the book is an important contribution to future research while being light and accessible. It has many examples of furniture design development and rich illustrations with both old and new photos.

Sverker Jonsson is professor emeritus of economic history at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. The book is in Swedish.