Wallpaper Tradition in a New Light – A 150-Metre Tribute to Swedish Printmaking

When Formex celebrates its 65th anniversary this August, the spotlight will be on patterns, colour, and Swedish design. The exhibition Tapetgalleriet (The Wallpaper Gallery), featuring around ten wallpaper producers, along with Tapetlunden(The Wallpaper Grove), offers visitors a unique experience of 150 metres of wallpaper inspiration – a vibrant tribute to Sweden’s unique tradition of printmaking on paper and textiles.

“We’ve long wanted to highlight wallpaper artistry and Sweden’s rich, longstanding history of it at Formex. Being able to bring together some of the country’s leading wallpaper brands under one roof is fantastic. For us, this is just the beginning,” says Sonja Björk Ebert, project manager.

A 150-Metre Journey Through Swedish Pattern Design
In August, visitors are invited on a 150-metre journey through the finest of Swedish wallpaper design – where craftsmanship meets contemporary expression.

Here, historical techniques blend with innovative design. Handtryckta Tapeter Långholmenbrings vintage wallpaper samples back to life in their workshop on Långholmen, while Lim & Handtryck continues the tradition with classic rollers and deep expertise in colour. Lisa Bengtsson contributes with her playful and characterful patterns, and Rebel Walls presents large-scale digital prints. Boråstapeter showcases the breadth of its offering, from collaborations with contemporary designers to iconic motifs like Stig Lindberg’s Berså, which, like Formex, turns 65 this year.

Other notable names include Norrviva, Duro, Sandberg Wallpaper, Midbec, Majvillan, Fiona Walldesign, and Paintpart – together forming an inspiring snapshot of the current state of Swedish wallpaper design.

The Wallpaper Grove – Benedetta Crippa for Handtryckta Tapeter
At the end of the pattern promenade, the exhibition continues with a unique collaboration between Handtryckta Tapeter Långholmen and Italian designer Benedetta Crippa, created exclusively for Formex.

“All of us working with design need to understand both the history of design and craftsmanship to be able to create for the future. In The Wallpaper Grove, we want to show – together with Benedetta – how tradition and innovation can unite in a wonderful way,” say Sara and Mats from Handtryckta Tapeter Långholmen.

The pattern is showcased in a floating ceiling installation where visitors can step into a wallpaper grove – a space to sit, take in the whole experience, and meet the people behind the printed artistry.

Visit The Wallpaper Gallery and The Wallpaper Grove at Formex, 26–28 August – and experience Swedish pattern history like never before.

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