Spark of Inspiration

I receive newsletters from TableWare International. They’re an online magazine offering the latest news on the international tableware industry. Years ago, I was in between jobs, I decided to work the Christmas season at Crate & Barrel and another year at Williams Sonoma.

During lunch break, I saw a stack of TableWare International magazines. I started going through them, LOVED the interesting articles, so signed up for the newsletter. It’s interesting to read about the different designers and the products they are coming out with.

The other day, TableWare International had an article “Rosendahl Design Group to showcase new collection by the Bjorn Wiinblad brand.” I saw this whimsical photo of Bjorn Wiinblad’s work and went immediately to the article to learn more about him.

Wiinblad was a Danish artist, born in Copenhagen in 1918, passed in 2007 at 86 years old. He worked in ceramics, textiles, bronze, silver, and graphics. His work was shown around the world. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.

This was interesting, in 1947 he was affiliated with the United States Embassy in Paris, designing posters. I’ve always loved Hans Christen Anderson stories. Turns out Wiinblad was the illustrator for Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Swineherd.” Oh, imagine, his textile work found its way to Dallas, Texas. He designed costumes for ballets. During the 1980s, he operated a store in Dallas. There is so much about him. One of his homes, The Blue House in Copenhagen, is a museum dedicated to his work.

We are brought back to Rosendahl Design Group. Wiinblad was a key designer for Rosendahl porcelain. He had so many lovely tableware designs, he’s well known for the “Romance” collection.

At the 2024 New York Tabletop Show, Rosendahl will be showcasing a new collection, Lady with a Hat, inspired by Wiinblad’s designs. As I hear birds chirping and look at this beautiful vase with flowers cascading, I’m smiling! Wiinblad was an amazing designer. I would love to visit his museum one day.