nordic design | the red thread
By the nordic design
An elegant exploration of the hugely influential simplicity, beauty, and functionality of nordic design - timeless, yet on trend
From literature to food, lifestyle to fashion, cinema to architecture, nordic influence is evident throughout contemporary culture.
The Red Thread: Nordic Design celebrates this deep-rooted aesthetic, showcasing the diversity of design from scandinavia and finland via more than 200 objects - from everyday items to exquisitely produced decorative glassware, and from traditional handmade textiles to mass-produced products found in homes across the globe.
The title is taken from a metaphor, common in the nordic countries, of a shared and highlighted characteristic (like a long connecting thread in woven material), that runs through and connects themes, ideas, stories, and, in this case, design.
By the nordic design
An elegant exploration of the hugely influential simplicity, beauty, and functionality of nordic design - timeless, yet on trend
From literature to food, lifestyle to fashion, cinema to architecture, nordic influence is evident throughout contemporary culture.
The Red Thread: Nordic Design celebrates this deep-rooted aesthetic, showcasing the diversity of design from scandinavia and finland via more than 200 objects - from everyday items to exquisitely produced decorative glassware, and from traditional handmade textiles to mass-produced products found in homes across the globe.
The title is taken from a metaphor, common in the nordic countries, of a shared and highlighted characteristic (like a long connecting thread in woven material), that runs through and connects themes, ideas, stories, and, in this case, design.
details + materials
Published by_ Phaidon
Format_ Hardback
Pages_ 288 pages
Dimensions_ 270 × 205 mm
About — Phaidon
Founded in Vienna in 1923 by Dr. Béla Horovitz, Frederick ‘Fritz’ Ungar, and Ludwig Goldscheider, Phaidon was named after the Greek philosopher Phaedo. Horovitz focused on creating quality books at affordable prices, while Goldscheider contributed elegant designs. The classic Phaidon book format debuted in 1937 with large publications on Van Gogh, Botticelli, and the French Impressionists, pioneering international co-edition publishing.
The Nazis' rise in Vienna forced Horovitz to move to England. For 14 years, Phaidon was distributed by George Allen and Unwin Ltd. Horovitz and Goldscheider expanded the large-format series with works on Donatello, Bellini, and Michelangelo. After the war, the company began innovative art publishing, including a critical catalogue of The Royal Collection and a 'pocket' series of art-history texts. The best-known title, The Story of Art, emerged from Horovitz's meeting with Ernst H. Gombrich, who wrote it after Horovitz encouraged him despite initial hesitation. The book has sold 8 million copies in 40 languages.
Béla Horovitz's sudden death in 1955 led to his son-in-law Harvey Miller directing Phaidon, maintaining high-quality scholarship. After being sold to Frederick Praeger Inc. in 1967, Phaidon struggled and was sold to Elsevier in 1974. Despite expansions in the 1970s, Elsevier found art books unprofitable. In 1981, four directors led a management buyout as Musterlin. Richard Schlagman bought Phaidon in 1990, restoring its reputation and launching new titles in London in 1991. Phaidon's design commitment and fair pricing earned global acclaim with releases like The Silver Spoon (2005) and Wallpaper City Guides (2006).
In October 2012, Phaidon began a new chapter under new ownership, aiming for long-term growth in visual arts, food, and children's markets. Collaborations with Rihanna, NIKE, Annie Leibovitz, Sir Paul Smith, Supreme, and Cecily Brown enhanced its Contemporary Artists Series. Phaidon expanded into interior design, acquiring Artspace in August 2014 and The Monacelli Press in January 2020. With offices in London, New York, Paris, and Berlin, Phaidon publishes in over 100 countries and multiple languages. In 2023, it celebrates its 100th anniversary with "100 Years of Creativity," showcasing contributions from 100 creative talents.
