Dybdahl - Unique Sixties Danish Stoneware Pottery

Dybdahl Pottery from Denmark is ware that grabs me straight away because of its outstanding use of pattern and colour. It is so recognisable and totally unique - I've never come across anything quite like it. The use of colour and pattern is quite extraordinary. Most of the patterned ware seems to have been made during the 1960's - occasionally there will be a date on it, but most often there is just hand carved writing on the bottom stating:  "Dybdahl, Denmark, Ovenfast"

It has been very difficult to find out information about Dybdahl pottery as I have slowly got together a small collection of their pottery,  but kindly Birte who runs an online antique store in Copenhagen was able to provide me some details about it. There seems to be little or nothing documented outside of Denmark about Dybdahl pottery, even though it is reasonably well known amongst collectors of Danish Pottery in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Margrethe Dybdahl (1916-1999) was educated at Rostrup-Boyesens Art School 1934-36 and at the School of Design 1937-38. She worked together with her husband Palle Dybdahl (1918-2001) in their workshops in Northsealand, in the town of Allerød.  Margrethe decorated the stoneware pottery which Palle made.

They made articles for every day use including bowls, dishes, and decorative things like eggs and birds.

The pottery was sold from their workshop. Margrethe and Palle also established the association of the potters of Northsealand (which is another area for research in itself!).

Update: 21st November, 2010

These images and pictures are from Paul Michael, New York who contacted me regarding a very late piece of Dybdahl that he has. This would be one of the last pieces to come out of the pottery. Since my original post I have also found that the Dybdahls had an apprentice working in the pottery during there time there. I have tried to make contact with him, but been unsuccessful to date.This is what Paul says about his Dybdahl piece:

"This Dybdahl teapot is 4" to base of lid, and 4" in diameter. It is 5 1/2" high overall, and 5 1/2" wide including handle. It uses a 'spot' gloss glaze technique, only highlighting certain details of the design. I have seen this on other Dybdahl 'art' pottery pieces. And best, it still as a lovely earthenware smell! It is a smartly designed ware, with a deep-set lid which prevents damage from falling out. It is unused and in perfect condition, but there are light traces of soiling on the pot, including what I think is chalk, as I have not ever washed or cleaned this piece—I want it to retain its lovely kiln-fresh earthenware smell"