WOW. This is the largest and most significant purchase I think I've ever made at an auction. Its pretty rare to get hold of a large and (almost) complete dinner set, especially such an iconic one from a Scandinavian maker. This week I did though, and it's a STUNNER.
It is a 12 person setting of the Figgjo Norway Market designed circa 1963. It is in absolutely amazing condition, with only one or two smaller pieces missing and no damage or wear to any pieces which is just so rare. This pattern was designed by Turi Gramstad Oliver who started with Figgjo in 1960 and designed some of its now most iconic designs including the similar LOTTE design in Blue.
FIGGJO AS, Norway was founded in 1941 near a local clay source and is located at Figgjo, near Stavanger, on the west coast of Norway. They first started employing outside designers in 1946. In 1968 Figgjo took over STAVANGERFLINT - another Scandinavian favourite. Today their focus market is the Food Service industry, although they do make some domestic ware still. They have a great website HERE which has a very well written timeline.
Doing some research for this post I also came across this blog which has fantastic images and information about Scandinavian Pottery - including some of the hard to identify pottery from lesser know potteries in Norway.
Fantastic! I love figgjo.
ReplyDeleteThanks....I would love to keep it too...but alas will need to sell. Probably having 4 dinner sets is more than enough! Ray
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! I love this set. My mum has a few pieces in the blue and whenever I'm in a vintage shop, I always look out for it. Not everyone's cup of tea maybe, but I think it's just so homely! I have a (very new) blog of my own, and I'm still finding my feet with it, but I'd love to put a link in to your site. My blog is about all the things I adore about Scandinavia -- and this set is definitely one of them. (I'm sure I'll discover new loves too, as I take more time to browse through your site.) Thanks for the Retro Pottery blog. It's great. Cheers, Erin
ReplyDeleteHello Erin, thank you for your comments and yes you are more than welcome to link to this blog. Well done on your blog - it looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLike you I love all things Nordic. I had a funny experience yesterday though - I showed some of my friends the Market dinner set and they screwed up there noses at it - and said it was awful! - I was devastated - I thought EVERYONE would love it, just goes to show how how taste is so personal sometimes.
Have a look at my favourite blogs listed too - there are some great Nordic ones there.
Regards, Ray
Thanks Ray. Too bad about your friends not liking the Market dinner set... all the more for you! Next time I'm at my mum's I'm going to take some pics of her Figgjo and post them. Stay tuned. E
ReplyDeleteHow fun, I just posted about my collection today! I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a collection you have. Love the things on your blog - Stavanger - what a wonderful place to live too
ReplyDeleteWhen my grandmother moved she was about to give away her Figgjo Market set, the dishes I will always remember from my childhood as FarFar and Bestemor's "everyday" dishes. Luckily, I asked her for them before it was too late, and now I have a set to keep and pass down. Maybe they're not of a modern sensibility, but I love the intricacy and the almost humorous prints. Thanks for showcasing yours!
ReplyDeleteLovely story Rachel - The design is still highly popular and loved and Im sure it will be for the next generation as well. I think these days there is room for every taste - and now with the internet there is the ability to follow your taste and likes. Even better with Figgjo, it doesnt seem to craze or deteriorate and keeps in lovely condition. Ray
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