The Power of Print - A Celebration of Danish Textile Printing
Designmuseum Danmark presents THE POWER OF PRINT – an exhibition that shines a spotlight on the rich and often overlooked history of Danish textile printing.
For the first time, the museum’s extensive collection of printed textiles is brought together on this scale, showcasing both historical masterpieces and brand-new works from some of Denmark’s most talented contemporary textile printers.
An Untold Story of Danish Design
Textiles are a constant presence in our lives – we wear them, live with them, and surround ourselves with their patterns and colours. Yet, the story of Danish textile printing, and the deep craftsmanship behind it, remains unfamiliar to many. THE POWER OF PRINT seeks to change that.
This exhibition weaves together a vibrant mosaic of textile artistry. It invites visitors to explore the world behind the fabrics – the techniques, the creative minds, and the cultural legacy that textile printing has left on Danish design.
From Hidden Craft to Design Icon
Danish textile printing played a key role in shaping the renowned design culture that emerged in the 20th century. Artists and architects like Arne Jacobsen and Axel Salto helped bring textile design into the spotlight – often in collaboration with skilled craftspeople and industry. But it was women who truly led the way in this field. The exhibition pays tribute to pioneering figures such as Marie Gudme Leth, Helga Foght, Ruth Hull, Dorte Raaschou, and Grete Ehs Østergaard.
Their legacy is carried forward by contemporary textile artists like Vibeke Riisberg, Pernille Holm, and Margrethe Odgaard, whose works also feature in the exhibition.
Textile Printing Today
At the heart of THE POWER OF PRINT is a living, evolving craft. The exhibition includes newly commissioned works by eight of Denmark’s leading textile printers: Josefina Enevold, Lisbet Friis, Bitten Hegelund, Else Borup Kallesøe, Anne Fabricius Møller, Liv Marie Rømer, Trine Tronhjem, and Janne Wendt.
Their hand-printed textiles bring fresh perspectives to the tradition – blending technique, artistic experimentation, and contemporary expression. These works, created especially for the exhibition, are being shown to the public for the first time.
Publications and Programme
To accompany the exhibition, Danish Textile Printing in 100 Years (in Danish) will be published by Strandberg Publishing. Written by curator Kirsten Toftegaard, the book explores the history and artistry of Danish textile printing. A separate catalogue featuring the eight contemporary textile artists and their new works will also be available.
Rolf Middelboe, Farvecirklen, 2023. Designmuseum Danmark. Foto Pernille Klemp
The exhibition runs until January 4, 2026 at Design Museum Denmark.
Hero picture: Marie Gudme Leth. Guinea fowl. 1999. Designmuseum Danmark. Photo Pernille Klemp
