2005 saw scores of events around the UK celebrating the centenary anniversary of Norway's independence from Sweden. These included a royal visit, a film festival, exhibitions, concerts and seminars.
The union
The union between Norway and Sweden was established in 1814 following the Peace of Kiel which ended almost 400 years of Danish rule. The King of Sweden also became King of Norway. However, Norway established internal self-rule, based on its own constitution, adopted on 17 May 1814. Towards the end of the 19th century the struggle for full independence intensified. On 7 June 1905, the Norwegian Storting (parliament) unilaterally decided no longer to recognise King Oscar II as King of Norway, thus dissolving the Union. A referendum overwhelmingly supported the decision taken by the Storting.
A period with tension building up in both countries followed, but through negotiations between Norwegian and Swedish representatives a mutually agreed formula for a peaceful ending of the union was reached in Karlstad, Sweden. On 26 October 1905 Sweden officially recognised Norway as an independent and separate state. The British government formally recognised Norway four days later, on 30 October 1905. The union between the two countries had lasted for 91 years.
A second referendum decided to establish a monarchy. Prince Carl of Denmark accepted the offer to become king and took on the Norwegian crown under the name of Haakon VII. He was married to the British Princess Maud, daughter of King Edward VII. With their young son, Olav, the new royal family arrived in Norway on 25 November 1905.
The celebrations
Integral in the events 100 years ago were the new Norwegian royal family who soon became a symbol of the independent Norway. British-born Queen Maud of Norway was renowned for her fashionable style and an exhibition, 'Style and Splendour', at the V&A in London which showcased a selection of her clothes opened in February 2005. By November, around 800,000 people had seen it. Queen Maud’s clothes document an extraordinary era of fashion history, from the decorative but elaborate dress of the Victorian era to the streamlined chic of the 1930s. Her wardrobe comprised royal robes, sporting wear and accessories. The exhibition included some 50 outfits ranging from her wedding trousseau of 1896 to the latest Worth designs purchased just months before her death in 1938. More info...
The biggest gathering ever of Norwegian artists outside Norway took place at one of London's hottest clubs, Fabric, in March. Sunkissed Live and The Royal Norwegian Embassy presented 'Fresh Air', a festival of rock, pop, jazz and electronica celebrating the explosion of Norwegian music in recent times. Over 30 acts came to Fabric, including Annie, Bugge Wesseltoft, Bjørn Torske, Satyricon, Mikal Telle, Xploding Plastix, Nils Petter Molvœr, Madrugada, Magne F, Kango's Stein Massiv and many more. More info...
Another concert which gathered scores of Norwegian artists was staged at London’s Barbican in December. The much-talked-about event 'Norwegian Voices' explored the rich vein of music that has emerged from Norway during the past 50 years and took as its starting point some of the key elements that have distinguished the evolution of this unique music. It included many of its most important figures as well as incorporating work representing present and future generations. On stage in front of a sell-out crowd were artists such as guitarist/composer Terje Rypdal, Sami singer Mari Boine, pianist Ketil Bjørnstad, The Brazz Brothers, singer Sidsel Endresen and many more. More info...
December also saw the celebration and showcase of new and classic Norwegian films – once again at the Barbican. The event was highlighted by the opening ScreenTalk with Erik Skjoldbjærg (director of ‘Prozac Nation’ and the festival’s opening film ‘An Enemy of the State’) and Karoline Frogner (director of ‘Tinkers’) as well as Ketil Bjørnstad’s live piano accompaniment to the silent film adaptation of Ibsen’s epic poem, ‘Terje Vigen (A Man There Was)’. In addition, Norway’s entries for the 2005 and 2006 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, ‘Hawaii, Oslo’ and ‘ Kissed By Winter’ were shown. More info...
The year also brought some of Edvard Munch’s works to London. The exhibition ‘Edvard Munch By Himself’ at the Royal Academy of Arts displayed many of Munch’s self-portraits and received great acclaim in the press and was a hit with the audience. Throughout the year there have also been a series of seminars, some of which have looked at Munch and his legacy. Other seminars have included a Nansen seminar at Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge University entitled ‘Ice and environmental change around the Norwegian-Greenland Sea’, ‘Norway Outside the EU’ at Chatham House, London and ‘Norway and Sweden in 1905 – the first velvet divorce?’ at UCL – all of which have gathered experts in various fields.
The highlight of the centenary celebrations was the special visit paid by the Norwegian royal family to the UK. The programme for Their Majesties The King and Queen of Norway's visit from October 25th to 27th, included several cultural and business-related seminars as well as visits to important landmarks and institutions. On the trip, they were accompanied by the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess of Norway who all stayed at Buckingham Palace as guests of HM Queen Elizabeth. To read articles from the visit and see photos, click here.
Looking ahead to 2006, this is the official Ibsen Year and numerous events will take place across the UK throughout the year. More info...
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