Bjorn Wiinblad – Part 3: Own Studio//Vaerksted

Bjorn Wiinblad Part 3: Own Studio work (Vaerksted).

Number 3 of a 3 part series summarising Wiinblad’s career as a ceramic designer.

I think some of the most impressive work by Wiinblad comes from his work in his own studio,  “Værksted”  which started in 1952 in Copenhagen. Generally they are “fajance” ware – eathernware pieces with a white base glaze on which a coloured design is hand painted. Wiinblad designed all of the pieces from his studio, and painted many of them himself – but had also help of up to 3 skilled painters to paint his designs onto the forms to keep up with the volume produced.

Bjorn Wiinlbad – Group of Studio Pieces

Wiinblad’s designs from his own “Vaerksted” often featured whimsical characters, sometimes in quite bizarre costumes and headgear – in the forms of lady-head vases, figurines, sculptures, candlesticks, and jars.

These pieces often had exquisite detailing such as tiny birds, flowers, wreaths and vines. The Vaerksted pieces by Wiinblad show his graphic skills at their best – where he is able to convey an emotion or feeling with just a few brushstrokes or marks.

Wiinblad’s said his aim was to create design that made everyday life a little prettier, a little more inspiring, more fun and more colourful. This he did with every piece he created. Work from this studio continued for a few years after Wiinblad’s death, and ceased in 2010.

The house Wiinblad built in 1994 as a studio and residence is now in the process of becoming a museum.