Category: designer desire

Designer Desire: Theodor Kittelsen

Mosaic of Theodor Kittelsen artworks

Theodor Kittelsen is the perfect artist to feature at this time of year. As you can tell from the works we’ve chosen above, Kittelsen (1857–1914) was fond of producing wintery, Christmassy scenes. Many of his illustrations would have been fairly frightening to young children. He painted trolls, the wild outdoors and scenes from fairy tales and Norwegian folklore.

In 2017, his work was commemorated with a Google Doodle on his 160th birthday – here it is:

As Kittelsen would have said, “God Jul” and “Godt nytt år”!

Theodor Kittelsen self-portrait

Designer Desire: Peter Clayton, fine artist

Mosaic of works by Peter Clayton, fine artist | H is for Home

Last week, when I was searching for examples of illustrator, Peter Clayton‘s work I came across another artist – Peter Clayton, fine artist!

The latter’s work is completely different but equally eye-catching. This week’s Peter Clayton works primarily in mixed media, silkscreen and lino-cut. His subject matter covers urban, rural and coastal landscapes and architecture.

Peter Clayton is Lancashire-born and, since the 1980s, has been practising and teaching in Leicester. He has been commissioned by P&O, Faber & Faber and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and has been Artist in Residence in Grizedale Forest in the Lake District.

Portrait of Peter Clayton, fine artist - © Katharine Brown

Image credits:

Bircham Gallery | Culture24 | Leicester Society of Artists | Tarpey Gallery

Designer Desire: Peter Clayton, illustrator

Mosaic of Peter Clayton illustrations | H is fir Home

I can’t remember where I first came across the fab illustrations of Plymoth-based Peter Clayton – I’ve had him on our Designer Desire ‘to do’ list for AGES!

Clayton’s illustrations are bright, cheery, distinctive and humorous. His Series of Problems with having Short Legs is so funny!

See more of his wonderful designs on his website, his Dribbble page and his Instagram stream. He currently has a few examples for sale on Etsy.

Portrait of Peter Clayton, illustrator

All images: Peter Clayton ©

Designer Desire: Niels Erik From

Selection of jewellery designs by Niels Erik From | H is for Home

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and, as has become customary, Justin bought me a piece of vintage Scandi jewellery. This time, something by Danish designer, Niels Erik From (1908-1980). The item he bought me can be seen in the top pair of images above; a beautiful silver pendant with a cabochon rhodochrosite stone.

Beginning in 1931, From sold his work via his own retail premises. It was only in 1944 in the southern Danish town of Nakskov that he founded his smithy. He began his career producing designs in the Skønvirke style – a Danish movement similar to Art Nouveau. It’s his later work in the clean, modernist, geometric style which I far prefer. Ironically, these examples were created by other designers under From’s name.

If you like his designs, there are always examples for sale on Etsy, eBay and specialist vintage Scandinavian jewellery dealers. I think Justin bought this latest gift from Scandinavian Silver.

Image credits:

1st Dibs | Auktionsverket | Cream and Chrome | Dorotheum | John Kelly | Modernity