Tag: design

Designer Desire: Edward Bawden

Mosaic of Edward Bawden artworks | H is for Home
Edward Bawden (1903–1989) had a long and industrious career producing designs for lots of prestigious clients; companies such as London Transport, Fortnum & Mason, Penguin Books, Poole Potteries, Twinings, the Folio Society and Westminster Bank.

He designed of the Observer Newspaper’s ‘Puzzled Lion and Startled Unicorn’ which adorned their masthead for 50 years. He was an official war artist during the 2nd World War, recording scenes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

I love his lino-cuts of Brighton landmarks – a couple of which I’ve included above – including the Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion.

There’s an exhibition of a number of his works taking place at the Dulwich Picture Gallery from 23 May to 9 September 2018 if you can get down there. Here’s a little preview…

A new book featuring Bawden’s book cover designs is due for publication next month (April 2018) entitled, Are you Sitting Comfortably? The Book Jackets of Edward Bawden. There’s another limited-edition book, Entertaining a la carte: Edward Bawden and Fortnum & Mason, that I’d love to add to our art & design book collection – available from a cool £235.00!

Portrait of Edward Bawdencredit

Additional image credits:

Invaluable | St Jude’s

Designer Desire: Kaija Aarikka

Mosaic of Kaija Aarikka designs | H is for Home Portrait of Kaija Aarikkacredit

I can’t go more than a few weeks before I’m back across to Scandinavia for a Designer Desire instalment. Kaija Aarikka (1929-2014) began her creative career designing and carving wooden buttons whilst attending Helsinki University of Technology.

Not much later, in 1954, she and her husband founded their own company, Aarikka Oy. They produced mainly wooden jewellery and small wooden ornaments. You can see the progression from the earlier button-making in the beads she used in her later designs.

I love her cute animal figures that she designed using these beads – the plain and multi-coloured rams and different types of birds. These, like her jewellery that she made using wood and often non-precious metals, are very affordable. Find examples on eBay and Etsy.

Additional image credits:
Bukowskis

Designer Desire: Heikki Orvola

Mosaic of Heikki Orvola designs | H is for Home

Heikki Orvola (b.1943) is at the vanguard of Finnish design. He works primarily in glass and ceramics and has produced designs for Notsjö Nuutajärvi, Arabia, Marimekko and Iittala. In 1998, he was awarded the prestigious Kaj Franck prize.

His designs are readily available on Etsy, eBay and the Scandinavian Design Center.

Portrait of Heikki Orvolacredit

Additional image credits:

1stDibs | Bukowskis | Invaluable

Designer Desire: Esteri Tomula

Mosaic of Esteri Tomula ceramic designs | H is for Home

Another designer from the Finel/Arabia stable, Esteri Tomula (1920-1998) produced many patterns for their ceramic and enamelled wares many of which were designed by Kaj Franck.

A few of her designs are still in production today and can be purchased from Arabia or the Finnish Design Shop. Her vintage wares can regularly be found on eBay, Etsy and Pamono. We’ve got our eyes peeled hoping to stumble across a set of her salt & pepper pots (top, right). Aren’t they sweet?!

She was very prolific during her career; above are some examples of our favourite designs.

Portrait of Esteri Tomulacredit

Additional image credits:

DishwareHeaven