Gerd Bogelund

Gerd Bogelund (1923-1987) worked at Royal Copenhagen while studying until 1942, then briefly worked at Saxbo before returning to Royal Copenhagen in 1946 as an Artist in Residence for many years. Her work is highly sought after by collectors, but hard to find here in Australia. 

I was fortunate enough to find the 2 pieces in the first 4 images a few years ago, but it is only the second time I have come across the work of this designer in about 10 years (at an affordable price anyway :)

She is best known for her beautifully and intricately patterned stoneware pieces at Royal Copenhagen, typical of the example below, but did also design some equally impressive porcelain pieces - often with blue or celadon glazes.

If you want to see more, Freeforms USA in New York, always have a great selection of work by Gerd on their website HERE

The Gerd Bogelund cypher above is one of the more easily recognisable ones - a stylised GB. 

A very popular blossom vase form by Gerd Bogelund  for Royal Copenhagen
 (photo Scammell Auctions) 

This exquisite Celadon glazed candle holder by Gerd was for Auction at Lauritz.com some time
ago - and you can see more images of this piece on their website HERE

Arabia Finland - Saara

I recently came across the striking design pictured in the first image here, by Arabia Finland. We don't get a lot of variety with Arabia designs here in Australia - so its great to find a design such as this.

It is "Saara" or "Sarah", and was produced c1971-1976. It's designer was Anja Jaatinen-Winquist (b1934 - ). Anja also designed "Paju", "Karelia","Kaira" and "Kalevala" in the same era.

Interestingly I found out doing this little bit of research, that the name "Kalevala" was used twice for different designs by Arabia Finland. The one we are most familiar with is the series of Christmas Plates with the same name, but the name Kalevala actually refers to an epic and important Finnish poem, which you can read the story of on THIS beautifully designed Japanese website/store.

Arabia Finland Saara

Anja worked at the Arabia factory for over 20 years, after graduating in 1955 from the Helsinki School of Applied Arts. At Arabia she created handmade decorative works for Arabia Studio in Stoneware, as well as several tableware designs. Some of these designs were in conjunction with her husband Peter Winquist (b 1941 - ) who also worked at the Arabia Factory as a designer 1967-1974.

Arabia Kalevala - Image from THIS beautiful Japanese website 

Arabia Karelia - Photo by ChomleyStreet on Etsy (Australia) 

Arabia Paju (Variation) , Photo by ChomleyStreet, Etsy, Australia 

Arabia Kaira - Photo by Norden Design shop, Netherlands, HERE

Staffordshire 1970s Trios

I found some more fantastically patterned Staffordshire trios recently. Both designs I have had previously, but I love the crispness and boldness of the designs on all of the patterns Staffordshire produced in this era. The variations also seem countless.

One group of trios in the most intense and bright deep blue, and the other in a gelati orange.

These items, made by Staffordshire Potteries in the 1960s and 1970s have maintained their popularity to this day. They were made in the millions, from good quality china - but I have noticed only in the past year or so that getting hold of them is becoming a bit more difficult.

I have put up some of them up on eBay and etsy if you are interested in having a look.

Figgjo Lotte Jars

Another Figgjo "Lotte" form I haven't come across until I found this shape recently.

It is a lidded box - and I am guessing this shape was designed for jam or conserve - or perhaps a canister for a dry food, measuring approximately 10cm cubed. It has the same design on each of the four sides, and a floral wreath on the top of the lid. There were 2 of these in an auction lot and both are in pristine condition - so whatever the intended use, they appear not to have been used.

These days of course, it would be probably more appropriate to use as a eye catching display piece or a storage container on a cupboard or shelf.

Soholm , Design no. 3620

Well made, small pieces of pottery have a character and presence all of their own. This little piece measures only 8 x 9cm and was made by Soholm, Denmark c1960s. I haven't identified the designer as yet, although it looks like an Einar Johansen form to me.

I love the rich and glossy iron saturated tenmoku style glaze, which gives the piece a lovely Japanese style aesthetic.

Denby Burlington - Blue Variation

I was lucky enough to find this quite rare Denby part coffee set recently online. It a variation of the much coveted "Burlington" design by Denby Icon, Albert Colledge in 1958-59 when Albert was 68 years of age and had worked at Denby for 55 years. It is an unusual form for a coffee pot, and I think it looks better without the lid which sits quite loosely - more appropriate today as a water jug probably.

It was very contemporary design then, and I think it looks just as contemporary now.

Originally the design was glazed in a satin matt black and decorated with white, vertical broken lines. Soon after there was this turquoise blue variation. There is also a multi coloured pastel decor which I have shown previously on here, as well as an all green decor.

The forms in this series have such beautiful lines and proportions - and consisted of a variety of vessels including vases, bowls, planters, lidded jugs, coffee pots, coffee mugs and cruets.

Denby Burlington 

Denby Burlington 

Denby Burlington Coffee Set