The collaboration between the Röhsska Museum and the Torsten Söderberg Foundation has been ongoing for many decades, including grants for the museum’s research and acquisitions, the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize—which was awarded for 25 years, with Tomas Söderberg serving as a driving force behind it—and, most recently, the establishment of the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Gallery at the museum.

“Since Tomas Söderberg had a keen interest in design and crafts, was deeply involved with the Röhsska Museum, and served as a long-time chair of the Röhsska Museum Friends Association, the Torsten Söderberg Foundation wanted to honor his contributions to the foundation by making a donation specifically to the Röhsska Museum,” says the foundation’s chair, Maria Söderberg. The donation aims to expand the museum’s collection of Nordic design and arts and crafts objects and strengthen the research base in this field. 

The donation will enable the Röhsska Museum to expand its collection of Nordic design and crafts, thereby highlighting the region’s influence in terms of innovation, quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. It also comes at an opportune time, as the Röhsska Museum is preparing a new permanent exhibition focused on design and crafts. The Röhsska Museum values its collaboration with the Torsten Söderberg Foundation. Our shared interest in building knowledge and awareness of Nordic design and crafts will remain a priority for many years to come thanks to this gift, says Museum Director Nina Due.

Röhsska Museum

Fil.dr h.c. Tomas Söderberg, who passed away in January 2019, was one of three sons of the donors and founders of the Foundation, Torsten and Wanja Söderberg, and Chairman of the Foundation for 30 years. Tomas Söderberg also received several honors during his term as chairman. He was awarded the City of Gothenburg Certificate of Merit, the Gothenburg School of Economics medal Pro Studio et Scientia - for commitment and science, the Stockholm School of Economics SIR Research Award and the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Falcon of Iceland. Tomas Söderberg was also an honorary member of the Swedish Medical Society.