In London’s Belgravia, a district known for its understated luxury and timeless sophistication, Sebastien Holt, the director of Modernity London,  has created the UK-based pied-à-terre for the famed Modernity Stockholm Gallery. Equal parts treasure trove and time capsule, the space celebrates the quiet brilliance of Nordic design – a movement that marries simplicity with craftsmanship, creating objects that are as functional as they are beautiful. “It’s not just furniture,” Holt says with quiet conviction. “It’s history, it’s craftsmanship, it’s a bit of someone’s life.” With an eye for detail sharper than a Viking sword and a passion for storytelling, Holt has turned the gallery into a shrine for Scandinavian décor. 

The Modernity Gallery’s backstory is as intriguing as the pieces it houses. It all started in Stockholm in 1998, when a Scotsman, Andrew Duncanson, decided to sprinkle some Arctic magic into the world. Fast forward a few decades, and Holt stepped in to open the London chapter. His first location? 

An abandoned townhouse in Marylebone that sounds like it came straight out of a mystery novel. “It was supposed to be a two-month pop-up,” Holt says, “but we ended up staying a year and a half. We had fashion shows, ceramic exhibitions – it kind of became the place to be.” Today, the gallery resides in a custom-designed space in Belgravia, blending industrial elements with Nordic minimalism. “This space is my baby,” Holt shares, gesturing to the exposed brick walls and wide-plank Swedish flooring. “It reflects everything I admire about Scandinavian design – timeless, honest, and deeply personal.”

For Holt, the allure of hyperborean design lies in its deceptive simplicity. The artefacts appear minimalist, yet closer inspection reveals meticulous craftsmanship and a profound respect for materials. Modernity London is home to iconic works by legendary designers such as Hans Wegner, renowned for his Wishbone Chair and Shell Chair, and Arne Jacobsen, whose Egg Chair and Swan Chair remain symbols of modern design. With its clean lines, natural materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship, this type of mobilia has an enduring quality that resonates across generations. 

Finding these treasures requires a meticulous and discerning approach. Holt and his team scour Scandinavian auctions, often venturing into small, lesser-known venues to uncover hidden gems. 

This approach has unearthed everything from Finnish snowflake chandeliers by Paavo Tynell to Axel Einar Hjorth’s rustic yet refined pine homewards. In addition to auction finds, the art space receives private consignments from collectors. Often accompanied by rich provenance, they form the backbone of its high-end offerings. 

“We’ve built trust with our clients,” Holt explains. “They know that when they bring a piece to us, it will be thoroughly researched and appreciated for its history and craftsmanship.”

Despite the growing demand for Norse design, educating collectors remains a challenge. “People are more comfortable investing in art than in design,” Holt notes. “Our job is to show them why they are worth it.” Post-Covid, the demand for Nordic design has surged. Auction prices have risen by an estimated 50 percent, reflecting a growing appreciation for these timeless collectables. 

For collectors, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. “This growth reflects the rising recognition of these designs as both art and functional objects,” says Holt. He adds, “We’re passionate about what we do, and we want to share that passion.”