Mats Theselius studied interior architecture and furniture design at Konstfack University or Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm from where he graduated in 1984. In the following year, Theselius had his first separate exhibition at Gallery Cupido in Stockholm.
Theselius’ breakthrough came in 1990, where his first furniture collection for Källemo was shown at Stockholm Furniture and Light fair. Included in the collection was the Älgskinnsfåtöljen (eng. Elk-skin armchair) that he had designed already in 1985, and that now was produced in a limited edition of 360. The armchair was made of a rounded steel pipe construction on to which etched iron plates were attached. The upholstery was made of elk skin, which gave it its name.
In 1994, Theselius designed both the simple Pinnstolen (eng. The carver) and the armchair Rex, which in design looked like a more comfortable sibling to the Elk-skin armchair. Both pieces were produced by Källemo, the later in a limited edition of 200. In 1999, El Rey and Ambassad (made for the Swedish embassy in Berlin) were launched.
TXS, that Theselius designed in 2001, was given as a gift to the White House during George W. Bush’s visit to Gothenburg during the summer of the same year. The armchair was inspired by the state of Texas, and for the ornamental leather and silver work, Theselius hired the saddler John H. Simon in Arkansas and the silversmith Dale Harris in Wyoming.
The cantilever armchair Hommage a Sigurd Lewerentz was designed in 2012 and for the armchair Theselius used patinated copper plate that was a part of the roof of Swedish architect Sigurd Lewerentz last work, the Saint Petri church in Klippan. The copper plate served 123 numbered pieces that was produced by Källemo.
Theselius has also designed lightings and ceramics as well as several infrastructural projects. Mats Theselius was a professor at HDK Gothenburg from 1995 to – 96. In 1997 he was awarded the Torsten and Wanja Söderberg prize and the Bruno Mathsson price. Since his designs often are made in limited editions, they are very sought-after on the vintage market.
Mats Theselius is represented at a.o. the Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Furniture Studies in Stockholm.
