Permafrost’s beautifully realised collection of miniature toys for kids is a pleasant feast for the eyes. Expertly crafted from birch wood, the attention to detail is meticulous and minimal, letting the grain of the wood and its rounded edges add to the character of the toys.
The Offshore, Archipelago, and Shipping toys were debuted at London Design Festival’s 100% Norway exhibit last year.
The toys point to the conflict between our celebrated nature and our advanced industrial achievements. Scandinavians value both, so this contrast is causing quite a bit of mixed feelings and guilty consciences in people.
The objects have no other function than allowing fun, play, and games. Basically toys are meant for telling and creating stories and any other mundane function would only reduce their storytelling potential – Permafrost partner Tore Vinje Brustad