Vintage ceramic lamps

I have a thing for vintage table lamps, particularly of the ceramic variety. Here is my collection (so far).

Søholm, Denmark.

Desirée stentøj, Denmark.

Design: Per and Annelise Linnemann Schmidt for Palshus, Denmark. This is all of 70 cm tall. Quite a bit is hidden under that big shade. (Which is from Ikea, btw.) If you want to see more art pottery from Palshus, click here.

Unknown make.

If you've been following my blog for some time you might have seen these before:

Lovely yellow Bitossi, Italy.

Green Bitossi.

Bay, Germany.

Torun - a sterling passion

I would like to share a fantastic Swedish documentary with you on the late jewelry designer Torun Bülow-Hübe (she was the first female silversmith to become internationally famous). Unfortunately it's only available via svt.se in Sweden, but I recommend all my Swedish readers to see it if they haven't already. The rest of you should be able to enjoy this clip at least. And possibly a follow-up post. Watch this space.

Alexander Girard wooden dolls

I just realized what's missing on my new shelves... (oh, I can make room) – a couple of Girard's wooden dolls. Of course. In case you don't know anything about this guy, here's some info I bluntly copied from Vitra.com:
Alongside Charles and Ray Eames as well as George Nelson, Alexander Girard was one of the decisive figures in post-War American design. The focus of his broad oeuvre was on textile design, and a key source of inspiration for him was his passion for the popular art of South America, Asia and East Europe. The Wooden Dolls, which Girard created for his own home in Santa Fe and made himself, are likewise inspired by his own extensive collection of works of popular art. Half decorative element, half toy, the Wooden Dolls were originally intended only for personal use. Based on originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company of dolls is now coming out as a charming enhancement to any interior.

Indeed. But: they are very expensive. And not very likely to turn up at any flea market, I'm afraid. Anyway, these are my favorites:

Olle Eksell wishlist

I got this book about Swedish graphic designer Olle Eksell a couple of years ago, and I keep coming back to it. Eksell became famous for his involvement in re-shaping Swedish graphic design in the 1950s.


Now I really want a poster with the Mazetti Ögon logo that he designed. It is one of the best known brands in Sweden, apparently. I was hoping to be able to pick one up in Stockholm when I go there, but when I search online I can only find this gallery in Malmö selling it. If any of you readers out there would happen to know of a place in Stockholm that sells them, please, please let me know!


I also wouldn't mind some of this fabulous black-and-white fabric (called Margret Rose) designed by Eksell, and a vintage tin of Ögon Kakao (Eyes Cocoa).

Designer home: Eero Aarnio

I keep a scrap book with articles of houses and interiors that I like. One of the houses I have in there is Finnish designer Eero Aarnio's. If you're not already familiar with the name, he is the designer behind such classics as the Ball Chair (1963), Tomato (1971), Pastillo (1968), Puppy (2005) and Double Bubble lamp (2001). Aarnio is regarded as one of the great innovators of modern furniture design, experimenting with plastics and bright colors in his furniture pieces. He's represented in some of the world's most prestigious museums (naturally :-).

I particularly like the bright, light feel of this house, all the built-in bookshelves and the touches of bright colors.

These photographs are all borrowed from photographer Rachel Smith.