Hard Rock Cave

Memorabilia wall (framed photographs, items in vitrines, plaques, etc), Banner
2007

The Cave next to the former LM Ericsson factory (now housing Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design), at Telefonplan outside Stockholm, was originally meant as a shelter for the LM Ericsson employees during world war two. Over the years, the cave has served many purposes; as  a machinery warehouse and as a safe for gold, but mainly it housed the so called 'LM Ericsson Pistol Club'. In 1974, the members renovated the shooting hall by painting, sound proofing and by fabricating proper targets. There was a strong sense of community around the pistol club, and by the use of the company name, this was further manifested. Emblems, medals, result cards and hats were fabricated, all adorned with the "LM Ericsson Pistol club" logotype , designed by member Karl-Anton Raid. A leisure activity with an identity so closely tied to that of the workplace, is very significant of a place where a large company is dominating and defining the community.

The shooting hall was used until 1998, when the cave was closed by the company. During the fall of 2007, the cave was demolished, to make room for new apartment buildings, and it became but a memory.

Memorabilia, much like souvenirs, is something that is meant to evoke memories. But unlike souvenirs – which are mass produced to represent a site or a person – memorabilia are always original objects with a historical connection. The restaurant chain Hard Rock Cafe incorporates both these definitions in its cafe/music/merchandise/museum concept, and has engaged an entire subculture around this phenomenon. During the 80s, it became very popular to collect t-shirts, but now the Hard Rock Cafe-fans mainly collect pins, but also teddy bears and shot glasses, all with the significant Hard Rock Cafe logotype.

''Hard Rock Cave' mixes these two subcultures, which have been formed on the one hand around the locally anchored industrial company, and on the other - the multinational tourist trap. The Pistol club's official weapon is displayed as if it was Mick Jagger's guitar, and shooting results cards as if they were the tickets to the last Elvis concert.