A look at the Danish artist and designer Bjorn Wiinblad

Today, I thought about digging a little deeper into my parent’s design choices. They don’t change things up a lot and most of the things in their home I grew up with. My parents always loved having their walls filled with artwork and collectibles, some of which I loved and some of which I hated. Recently, I have thought about some of their choices and I have to say I see the specific artist Bjorn Wiinblad mentioned in the headline of this post in a different light. That’s why I researched him a little more. I grew up with Bjørn Wiinblad Rosenthal plates on our dining room wall and I have to admit that I now love them very much as well.

Bjorn Wiinblad: A Look at the Life and Work of the Danish Artist and Designer

Early Life and Education

Bjorn Wiinblad was born on September 20, 1918, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator.

Artistic Style and Mediums

Wiinblad’s work is characterized by bold, sweeping lines, intricate patterns, and whimsical, dreamlike quality. He worked in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, glass, and metalwork. He was also a prolific illustrator and set designer for theater productions.

You can find many beautiful vintage pieces for sale on Etsy. Check them out!

Rosenthal collaboration and other notable works and achievements

Bjørn Wiinblad is perhaps best known for his collaboration with the German ceramics manufacturer Rosenthal. It began in the 1950s and continued through the 1990s. Wiinblad created a wide variety of designs for Rosenthal, including figurines, vases, and other decorative objects, but it was his series of plates in the 1960s that truly captured the public’s imagination. The plates feature a variety of whimsical, colorful designs that showcase Wiinblad’s signature style. Some plates feature intricate patterns and calligraphic lettering, while others depict fantastical creatures and mythological figures. Each plate is a work of art in its own right, and they are highly collectible today.

One of the things that sets Wiinblad’s Rosenthal plates apart is their size. They are much larger than traditional dinner plates, measuring up to 14 inches in diameter. They are often displayed on walls rather than used for dining. This has made them a popular choice for collectors like my parents who appreciate their artistic value and unique design.

Wiinblad’s Rosenthal plates have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. They remain highly sought after by collectors today.

Wiinblad was also a prolific illustrator and designer of theater sets and costumes. He designed sets for several productions at the Royal Danish Theater in Copenhagen, including a production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” that was performed more than 400 times over several decades.

Legacy and Impact

Today, Wiinblad’s designs remain highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and his work is featured in several museum collections around the world, including the National Museum of Denmark, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

He remains an icon of the 20th-century art world. His bold, whimsical style and innovative use of color and pattern continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

Bjorn Wiinblad’s designs in the modern design world

Bjorn Wiinblad‘s designs remain popular and influential amongst interior designers and in the design world as well. There are many contemporary designers who draw inspiration from his work or incorporate his pieces into their own designs. Here are a few examples:

• Danish design brand Tine K Home features several Bjørn Wiinblad pieces in their collection, including a series of plates, vases, and candleholders that feature Wiinblad’s distinctive patterns and calligraphic lettering.
• The British designer/artist Matthew Williamson has cited Wiinblad as an influence on his work, particularly in his use of bold, colorful patterns and his love of exotic motifs.
• Dutch designer Marcel Wanders has created several collections of home decor and furniture that draw on Wiinblad’s whimsical style and use of pattern and color. One of his collections for Italian design brand Alessi, called “Dressed in Wood,” features a series of wooden trays and containers adorned with Wiinblad’s signature patterns and illustrations.
• One of my favorite American designers Jonathan Adler has also been influenced by Wiinblad’s work, particularly in his use of vibrant color and playful, irreverent motifs. Adler has created a number of ceramics and home decor items that pay homage to Wiinblad’s legacy.

These are just a few examples of the many contemporary designers who have been inspired by Bjørn Wiinblad’s work.

Bjorn Wiinblad plates in my own home

A while back I used the plates for my German Christmas home tour and in the recent Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas feature. Let me show you.

I love collecting vintage and antique items for our home. Check out my blog posts about Piero Fornasetti, Curtis Jere wall sculptures, how to decorate with family heirlooms, and also how to make a reproduction oil painting.

Do you have any design trends or choices that you grew up with and that you are finally learning to like? Or should I say that stir warm memories?

Tschüß,