Swedish Carpets And Scandinavian Rugs by Ulla Parkdal
Ulla Parkdal Rugs – Born in 1939, Ulla Parkdal is an active designer and weaver who is extremely involved with the artisan textile community. For many years, Parkdal has lived in Rindö and worked in the Vaxholm area of Stockholm County. Artist Parkdal is famous for her classical, minimalist compositions. She describes her unique designs as displaying their own textile language. Parkdal’s modern area rugs and woven textiles have been featured widely within Sweden, including one renowned tapestry that decorates the main assembly hall of the Swedish parliament building in Stockholm. Parkdal has had a long and productive career with regular exhibitions and publications occurring through 2007. She is heavily involved with the artistic and cultural community and has been named the chairman of art and education in Stockholm County.
She is also involved with the Bildkonst Upphovsrätt i Sverige artist association, she holds a board seat at the Sätergläntan college of handicrafts, and she serves as the chairwoman for Svensk Hemslöjd AB, the Association of Swedish Handicraft. Since the mid-20th century, Ulla Parkdal has created many commissioned tapestries and flat-weave kilims for private clients, municipalities and local county agencies. She continues to create custom works through her company Ulla Parkdal Textil, which was established in 1980. Works designed and woven by this influential textile artist are signed with the initials “UP.”
More about textile artist Ulla Parkdal
Ulla Parkdal, a visionary in the realm of textiles, employs age-old methods to meticulously craft rugs and carpets, giving life to an array of designs and hues. Her creations range from vibrant grids and diamond patterns to dual-patterned marvels that showcase intricate borders surrounding monochromatic focal points. The global stage recognizes this Swedish weaver for her intricate detailing and the unwavering durability that defines her artistry.
Hailing from the charming city of Gothenburg, Sweden, Parkdal’s journey took her through the corridors of education at the HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts, a distinguished institution under the umbrella of the University of Gothenburg. With her academic pursuits complete, she set her sights on the world of rug making, embarking on a journey that ran parallel to her involvement in Swedish politics as a stalwart member of the Social Democratic party. This dual commitment attested to her indomitable spirit and passion for the craft of textile weaving.
The swinging sixties saw Parkdal assuming the mantle of head designer at Eric Ewers AB, a prominent textile establishment nestled in the heart of Sweden. Her creative energies intertwined with the concepts emerging from the Rakel Carlander weaving studio, yielding a collaborative symphony that resonated across the industry.
As the 1990s dawned, the closure of Carlander’s studio served as a catalyst for Parkdal’s independent pursuits. Armed with a sprawling weaving loom, she ventured into a realm of autonomy, etching tapestries, rugs, and an assortment of textile wonders. Her artistic endeavors even adorned the hallowed halls of churches in Sweden, including the crafting of a resplendent red travel cape for a bishop in the year 2000.
Parkdal’s chosen technique, the venerable Nordic röllakan, often referred to as the “Swedish flat weave,” draws inspiration from the tapestry traditions of Turkey. This method’s roots in Swedish textile production can be traced back to the heart of the 18th century. Through her hands, this ancient heritage finds new life, converging with modern aesthetics to create textile masterpieces that stand as a testament to her craft and ingenuity.
