On our annual Norwegian trip Alan & I decided to spend some time in Oslo. Norway has fast been catching up with it’s graphic design savvy Scandinavian cousins, and as an sometime designer myself I thought it would be good to spend some time in the capital and see what interesting things were to be seen.
So, Wallpaper City Guide in hand we set about exploring. Now anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight obsession with vintage/retro home-wares. And Scandinavia really is a very dangerous place to be with such a malady. It is a treasure-trove of amazing retro pieces, with charity shops and second hand stores selling beautiful pieces ready for a new home.
I had heard of Fuglen (‘the bird’) a high-end multi-roaster cafe, craft cocktail bar and vintage design store through various Norwegian newspapers and magazines. Originally established as Kaffefuglen (meaning ‘coffee-bird’) in 1963 as a shop selling coffee, great care has been taken to not only preserve the original features of the space, but with the business’s expansion, be faithful to the design of the period. This effort was recognised with Widar Halén, Senior Curator at the National Museum, declaring Kaffefuglen (the coffee bar section) a cultural heritage site, as an example of Japanese influence on Scandinavian Design in the 50s and 60s.
As it turned out, Fuglen happened to be directly around the corner from our hotel and it didn’t disappoint! Everything was tastefully done. Gorgeous branding, and with the space decorated with exclusively mid-century Norwegian furniture I was in heaven. I could have moved right in. And with innovative Scanda inspired cocktails why’s not to like.
Not only is all the furniture in the bar for sale, they have a small shop next door, with loads of classic pieces on offer. The guys behind Fuglen are also responsible for a touring exhibition of uniquely Norwegian mid-century modern design, entitled Norwegian Icons. Great to see Norwegian design getting a spotlight of it’s own.
My only regret when I look back on my time in Oslo is not trying one of their mushroom cocktails. If you can’t get to Oslo but want to see more of Fuglen it is also featured on Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstall’s Channel 4 show Scandimania .
