TIMELESS DESIGN MEETS MODERN DEMAND
THEBE
In the early 1940s, it took something exceptional in terms of material, form and function to persuade people to buy stainless steel cutlery
stainless steel cutlery for their homes. Folke Arström's Thebe cutlery was the first to successfully combine these three elements and offer a real
alternative to silverware. However, the idea for Thebe was far from obvious, and it took years of study and sketching to create the final
design language. At the time, stainless steel was considered useless and indestructible, but there was a strong desire to do it
justice to it.
This period also saw a radical shift in style, moving from the constructed and voluminous to the rational and simple.
simple. The design for Thebe drew inspiration from the well-known Egyptian style, characterised by its austere, almost cool beauty,
independent of fleeting fashion trends. In 1944, Gense patented the design, which was exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm.
DESIGNER
FOLKE ARSTRÖM
Folke Arström (1907-1997) began his career in 1930 in Stockholm as an artist and industrial designer. In the 40s and 50s he was one of the most prominent designers in Sweden. A position that made him an important member of the first generation of proud Scandinavian designers. Folke Arström was also artistic director at Gense in the early 1940s.
GENSE'S FIRST DESIGNED STAINLESS STEEL CUTLERY
80 YEARS OF THEBE
As Gense's first designed stainless steel cutlery, Thebe celebrates its 80th anniversary with an updated design for 2024. 2024, the updated version is longer and adapted to today's tastes while still honouring its rich heritage. The Thebe Edition 2024 is made from 91% recycled steel and embodies the same principles of elegance and functionality, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a nod to the future. This modern version ensures that Thebe remains as relevant today as it was 80 years ago.
