Get to know a persistent engineer, a couple of factories, many skilled designers, craftsmen and enthusiasts from the 1940s and onwards. It’s all about sponge cloths, which beyond the kitchen sink become beautiful little works of art, lovingly portrayed in this kitchen table book. The idea for this book was hatched during a lunch in a kitchen on the island of Kungsholmen in Stock­holm, when the conversation suddenly turned to the subject of sponge cloths. We were amazed at the development of this everyday pro­d­uct, and discovered that we had many different experiences and knowledge concerning sponge cloths. We could not stop talking about it, and so it was decided – we will write a book!

This is a book about one of Sweden’s most widely known and utilized inventions. A product that most Swedish people have probably held in their hand at least once, and most likely have used many times themselves. We daresay that this invention has spread from shack to castle. Even to the Royal Palace in Stockholm. But how many people have actually given much thought to this small everyday cloth?

Ask your friends to name a few Swedish inven­tions and they will probably answer – the adjust­able wrench, the zipper, the separator and dynamite, but never the sponge cloth. We think it is time to change that.

What do you know about the Swedish sponge cloth? How was it invented and how is it produced today? How do you use the cloth and how does Junko use it in Japan? What is it that makes this handy disposable product able to help reduce the mountains of waste? Why does the sponge cloth you buy from the grocery store have a different look than the ones available for purchase in designer stores and museum shops?

This is also the story of the only operating textile industry in the city of Norrköping, also known as the “Manchester of Sweden”. It’s about how the sponge cloth became a German affair, about the craft of screen printing on sponge cloth, and how Swedish design finds its way out in the world thanks to a small cloth.

After reading this book you will also be able to arm yourself with the knowledge of why cows and sponge cloths are a great combination, and how to distinguish a German sponge cloth from a Swedish sponge cloth.

In our images we portray these cloths as the small works of art that they are. Each one, a small piece of everyday art that deserves a moment in the spotlight. Join the Swedish sponge cloth on its journey – first in Sweden, then the world and even into outer space!