Le Bureau
Pia Leirup, Claes Kjellström, Emma Eriksson and Gustaf Sehlstedt
Advertising agency Le Bureau started life in minute premises squeezed in between two lawyers. After that they moved to a former office-materials shop where they had a small number of artworks on display. Where they are now, in an old station building in the heart of Stockholm with four-metre ceilings, their interest in art really comes into its own. They want the office to be a source of inspiration in itself, and art is an important facet of that ambition. Art lifts the premises and it lifts the agency too.
“One work that is especially important to me personally is “Gustaf”. Björn Wetterling insisted in hanging it immediately behind my back at the entrance to the office and this turned out to be a masterstroke. The image catches the eye of everyone who visits Le Bureau so that it seems to be a natural part of the furnishings. We simply had to buy it.” — Gustaf Sehlstedt
“Everyone is dependent on getting impressions. If such an impression helps one to think and reflect this is all the better. The art at the office certainly helps me in this regard.”
— John Wernvik
“I think that art makes us a better agency. It certainly develops our aesthetic sense.” — Claes Kjellström
”The first time I visited Le Bureau for my interview it was the work in the entrance hall that really struck me. I don’t think that I have ever seen a young man portrayed like that. Like a Renaissance painting in which a buxom woman reclining on a chaise longue has been replaced by a random chap on the 53 bus. I was mightily impressed by the audacity of hanging a naked work like this in the entrance hall; and right above the managing director’s desk. This convinced me that Le Bureau was my sort of workplace.” — Veronica Sokolow
“The art lends character to the office as well as inspiring me. Many of the works also lead to discussions with clients. That’s very positive.” — Toni Donnelly
“On the one hand the art is beautiful and makes the office more enjoyable, but on the other hand it promotes a sense of irritation and envy that I can’t maintain the same level of excellence at home.” — Martin Johansen
“I would really like to take most of the works home. Especially ‘New Gods’ by Artists Anonymous.”
— Pia Leirup
“At the moment Love Lundell’s paintings seem to glow brighter than ever on our walls. They are telling us something about the future.” — Emma Eriksson
“My favourite work is the large green photograph by Astrid Kruse Jensen above the green cabinet. It is a truly delightful work, somehow magical and with extraordinary colours.”
— Ellen Hymér
“Art in the office makes it seem more than just a workplace. The intention is that the staff should enjoy their surroundings.” — Kalle Garmark
“Keeping company with art throughout the week means that, without being aware of it, one learns to formulate one’s reaction — or lack of reaction — to the artworks. Also, art helps us to realize that everything is possible.”
— Emma Eriksson
Photo: Patrik Sehlstedt
Idea & Production: Le Bureau
© Wetterling Gallery
About It’s mine
It is in the meeting of minds that art becomes important. These narratives are about initial meetings. About desire, passion, acquisitiveness. About the relationship between works of art and their owners.
It’s mine is a book that features encounters with 33 art collectors and artists who have opened their homes and their heart for us.
To get a copy of the book, contact info@wetterlinggallery.com.
