Approach to Stockholm 

Muirhead Bone made this watercolor called ‘Approach to Stockholm’ sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. It depicts a Scandinavian waterscape, capturing a fleeting impression of the city from its harbor. The image emphasizes the contrast between industry and nature. The city's architecture punctuates the horizon, but the scene is dominated by water and vegetation. The small boats and ships suggest Stockholm as a bustling center of trade, but the natural environment still seems to hold sway. The viewpoint, from the water, subtly comments on the experience of the city as one of movement and commerce. To better understand this, we might look into the institutional history of city planning, considering how the city has grown and developed over time and how the role of art, architecture and design has shaped the cultural life of Stockholm. By consulting historical archives, architectural plans, and social surveys we can gain insights into the role of art as part of the city’s fabric.