H55 and the Linnelinjen turn 70 – a milestone in Swedish design history

This summer, Almedahls pay attention to the 70th anniversary of the groundbreaking H55 exhibition in Helsingborg. With the H55 housing fair came a turning point in design history, where bold colors and patterned textiles were given space. It was during H55 that textile design truly broke through, with the Linnelinjen (Linen Line) leading the charge in this development.

Linnelinjen was a collaboration between NK’s textile chamber, led by Astrid Sampe, and Almedahls. The partnership produced linen-based textiles, a material deeply rooted in Swedish tradition, now presented in a completely new form with graphic prints, vivid colors, and a playful spirit. The series continued to evolve with new products into the 1970s.

Gångehandduk – the practical tea towel

In Linnelinjen’s debut collection at H55, the gångehandduk was introduced—a practical tea towel long enough to be tucked into the belt, keeping it within easy reach while cooking. During the 1950s, was there a desire for men to take a greater part in housework tasks, and the towel was designed with them in mind—considering length, function, and style.

Sillsexa captured the spirit of the beloved smörgåsbord

One pattern that gained special attention at H55 was Persons Kryddskåp (Persson’s Spice Cabinet), inspired by Signe Persson-Melin’s stoneware jars, which were also featured in the exhibition. The pattern highlighted the jars with a graphic design language where words and forms harmonized in a successful combination.

Sillsexa (today just Sill) was another standout - a pattern filled with bottles, herring pieces, eggs, and cutlery. With its humorous style, it captured something deeply Swedish—the soul of the smörgåsbord, brought to life in printed textile form.

A breakthrough of color foretelling a bright future

What made Almedahls’ towels truly stand out at H55 was the generous use of color. After the dark war years, color and pattern served as a kind of cultural healing. Being greeted by lemon yellow, cornflower blue, and tomato red in household textiles was more than just an aesthetic experience - it sent a powerful message: the future is bright, and it starts in the kitchen.

H55 patterns still alive in our kitchens

Today, many of the patterns from H55 and Linnelinjen are still in production, thanks largely to Almedahls' reintroductions. The brand’s classic designs continue to adorn tea towels, trays, and aprons, as they still communicate clearly - with clarity, humor, and human warmth.

The language of design has evolved, but the vision of a more beautiful everyday life remains. For many, it began right there in the kitchen, with a gångehandduk tucked into the belt.

Download high-resolution images from Almedahls Home here.

Press contacts:

CEO Gry Hege Sølsnes, gryhege@almedahls.se, phone +46 70-542 59 89.

CCO Anders Grönlund, anders@almedahls.se, phone +46 76-677 44 82.