Skeppsbron 18

Located along the old quay of Stockholm, Sweden is the distinctive building known as Skeppsbron 18.  Situated within the Diana district of Stockholm, the structure was built in 1909 for the wholesale retailer, Lundstrom.

The new building replaced a well-preserved 17th century palace, which was built in 1744 for Consul Johan Clason. Clason’s son later sold the abode to Christian Hebbe D.y. in the 1760s. While Christian Hebbe owned the building it was referred to as the “Clason Hebbeska House” and Hebbe made further refinements to the dwelling.

After Hebbe the building went on to be owned by historian Bernard von Beskow and then the Swedish Academy. Later the building would be occupied by the poet Calr David af Wirsén prior to be being demolished in 1909.

The current building was built by the architectural firm Hagström and Ekman after the demolition of the “Clason Hebbeska House”. There are many unique attributes to the building that distinguish it from its neighbors. Upon first glances people will recognize that the build is quite skinny. Secondly the two sculptures that flank the main door, are telamones – or male-shaped statues that are uncommon in architecture.

The building housed a bank from 1910 to 1970 and the current tenant is now an investment firm known as Kinnevik AB. Since 1996 the firm has placed Stockholm’s largest Christmas tree outside its office on Skeppsbrokajen. It is said that it may even be the largest Christmas tree in the world.