Anna Petrus

Anna Petrus (1886–1973) was a Swedish artist and designer who is most famous for her contributions to the interior design and decorative arts, particularly in relation to the iconic Swedish design company Svenskt Tenn. She was one of the leading figures in the Swedish Arts and Crafts movement and played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of the early 20th century in Sweden.

Petrus's work covered various fields, including furniture design, sculpture, metalwork, and textiles. Her designs often featured organic shapes, clean lines, and functional beauty. She is perhaps best known for her bronze sculptures, which display a distinct sense of form and style. Many of her pieces were inspired by nature, with a focus on geometric abstraction and harmony.

She also worked closely with Estrid Ericson, the founder of Svenskt Tenn, a Swedish design company that was founded in 1924. While Svenskt Tenn is primarily associated with the famous designer Josef Frank, Anna Petrus was also one of the early collaborators who contributed to the company's rise to prominence. Her works were featured in Svenskt Tenn’s designs, and she was involved in the early stages of creating some of the most cherished Swedish design pieces.

Despite her significant contributions, Anna Petrus's work has often been overshadowed by other Swedish designers like Josef Frank and Carl Malmsten, but her impact on Swedish design and her involvement in the creation of Svenskt Tenn's legacy remain notable.

Her collaboration with Svenskt Tenn helped shape the aesthetic principles of the company, which combined modernist designs with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. Petrus's work at Svenskt Tenn included the design of furniture, lighting, and decorative objects that married functionality with artistic elegance.