Stig Lindberg

Stig Lindberg

Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) was a Swedish ceramist, painter and industrial designer. In 1937 he received a degree from the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, where he had studied painting. Upon graduation he went to work for the Gustavsberg pottery as a faience painter under Wilhem Kåge, working there until 1980. In 1949 he succeeded Kåge as art director. He left Gustavsberg to open his own studio in Italy.

Lindberg is probably best known for his Berså, Spisa Ribb and Terma tableware lines, but he also designed glass for the Målerås glassworks, collaborated with textile designer Astrid Sampe, illustrated author Lennart Hellsing's book of rhymes for children and even designed a television for Luma.

During his long career, he was awarded several gold medals and the Grand Prix at the Triennale Exhibitions in Milan.

From modernity.se and scandinaviandesign.com

Lidded bowl
modernity.se

Vase
modernity.se

Leaf bowls
obsessionistas.co.uk

Stylized horse
shelleydavies.com

Vase
modernity.se

Leaf dish
shelleydavies.com

Vases
scandinaviandesign.com

Pair of Pungo vases
architectlines.com

Leaf bowl
scandinaviandesign.com

Bersa jug
wists.com

Terma pots
fika.kuppi.jp

Spisa Ribb tableware
serendipities.cocolog-nifty.com

Television for Luma
icollector.com

Fruitbox fabric
scandinaviandesign.com

Herbarium fabric
scandinaviandesign.com

Starkeld of Scandinavia

I recently became better acquainted with a Swedish website called Starkeld of Scandinavia that sells beautiful ceramics, metals, glass, tableware and other items. I posted a photo of Timo Sarpaneva Festivo candlesticks from the site back in March, but I've spent time lately giving it a thorough viewing, and I've exchanged several pleasant emails with Lars Andreasson, the owner.

The company ships internationally, and there are many pieces I wish they'd ship my way. Here are a few that I love. If you give the site a look, I'm sure you'll find just as many that make your heart beat a little faster.

All images from starkeld.com

Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia

Okki Laine for Kupittaan Savi

Oiva Toikka for Rörstrand

Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg

 Per Lütken for Holmegaard

Nils Landford for Orrefors

Erik Höglund for Boda

Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta

Paro candleholders

Pewter candlesticks from GAB

Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metal

Jens Quistgaard for Dansk

I bought a pair of these tiny Quistgaard candlesticks not long ago. They have a base that allows them to stand up straight or lean. Very cool.

European ceramists

During the mid-century modern era, talented artists in Europe were experimenting with sleek, streamlined ceramics, leaving behind the more decorative styles of the past.

Stig Lindberg was one of the most prolific designers in Scandinavia. In 1937 he went to work for Gustavsberg pottery under Wilhelm Kage and became art director in 1949. He experimented freely and worked in a range of styles and materials.

Ceramist Gunnar Nylund was equally active in Sweden and in Denmark. He and Danish ceramist Nathalie Krebs started their own workshop, Saxbo, where Nylund experimented with forms and Krebs worked with glazes. In 1930 Nylund joined Rörstrand and was one of its leading designers until 1958.

In Italy Antonia Campi reinterpreted common objects, such as vases, cups and jugs. After a successful career as a ceramist, she became a designer of bathroom fixtures.

From modernity.se and rogallery.com

Stig Lindberg, 1956
modernity.se

Stig Lindberg, 1950s
modernity.se

Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
modernity.se

Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
modernity.se

Nathalie Krebs, 1950s
utopiaretromodern.com

Antonia Campi
1stdibs.com