The auction world is no longer an exclusive place for a select few. Today, people of all ages seek unique objects that give a personal touch to their homes. – The digitization of the industry has made it more accessible to everyone, says Lovisa Törnsten of Bukowskis and one of the speakers at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair 2025.
Lovisa Törnsten, a specialist in modern art, found her way to Bukowskis after many years of studies and work abroad. She finally returned to Gothenburg in 1996 – with a master’s degree in museum studies among other things. In a short time, she went from office assistant to branch manager.
– I took winding roads to find my place in life. Now I’ve been at Bukowskis for almost 30 years, that says a lot about how much I enjoy it.
Lovisa Törnsten is one of the speakers at this year’s Gothenburg Furniture Fair. The content is not fully set – but she is considering talking about the trend of the line between art and design becoming increasingly blurred.
– Those who collect art right now are increasingly interested in including design and craftsmanship.
How the auction industry is changing
Since Lovisa Törnsten started at Bukowskis, the auction industry has fundamentally changed. The collector mentality today is completely different from when she started as an office assistant in the 90s.
– Back then, it was more divided – you were either interested in design or in art. Now it’s common to collect beautiful objects and art without distinguishing between them, she explains.
Objects from craft disciplines such as furniture, ceramics, and textiles, as well as furniture design, are now highlighted just as much as traditional visual art.
– Now we see how crafts, furniture, and art are merging in auction catalogs. Often, craft is the big shining star.
From older men to customers of all ages
The customer base has also changed.
– When I started at Bukowskis, there were only men over 40 in the auction room. Today we have a much broader and more international clientele.
This is linked to the industry becoming more transparent, says Lovisa Törnsten.
– Today, everything is searchable and accessible online. That has opened up the auction world to more people.
Personal expression dominates
One clear trend is that collecting is no longer the main focus.
– Older men who collected porcelain or Chinese boxes and had a social community with others sharing the same interest no longer exist today. Now people create a concept around themselves; a personal expression in their home, she says.
Lovisa Törnsten continues:
– We are increasingly moving toward the personal. The trend is also very strong toward more modern works – art and crafts from the 20th century and onward.
She sees the second-hand market as a source of inspiration for new furniture trends.
– Both interior designers and manufacturers can find gold there. Auctions are great both for finding unique objects and understanding what is in demand.
Auctions – a way to find affordable quality furniture
She sees auctions and second hand as good for the environment, but also as a safe choice for buyers – especially young people who want to find affordable and sustainable furniture or crafts: the items have guaranteed resale value.
– Auctions can be a fantastic way to find affordable furniture, instead of going into debt to buy an expensive, new sofa.
Lovisa Törnsten looks forward to attending this year’s Gothenburg Furniture Fair with an open mind.
– I go in without preconceptions, that’s when it’s the most fun. You always discover something new.
What do you hope the audience takes away from your seminar?
– That it’s really fun to buy things at auction. I want to spark people’s interest in attending auction previews. It offers a more fun selection than most stores, which are often pretty templated, says Lovisa Törnsten.
Listen to Lovisa Törnsten at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair
On Tuesday, September 2 at 12:00, Lovisa Törnsten will talk about art and interior trends in today’s auction market at the Gothenburg Furniture Fair. The seminar will be held in Swedish. Register for a free admission ticket »
Please note that the Gothenburg Furniture Fair is a trade fair and only open to professionals in the furniture industry.