Grete Prytz Kittelsen – The Art of Enamel Design by Karianne Bjellå Gilje explores the work of one of our favourite product designers.
It was written not only with Greta’s close cooperation, but with extensive contributions from her – in the form of interviews, added text, selection of images and so on. You really are getting to know the artist intimately.
Greta was one of the foremost Scandinavian designers of the Mid-century Modern era – in addition to which, she also collaborated with many of the other great names from the period.
She had “a thorough knowledge of materials, vast technical skill, independence and originality.”
Her work has directly touched the daily lives of countless thousands with her ranges of beautiful yet practical kitchen & tableware.
She’s rightly praised for making good design accessible, as she simplified the production process wherever possible, thus keeping retail prices affordable.
She’s immediately associated with the iconic Lotus cookware produced by Cathrineholm of Norway in the 1950s – ironically, the repeating leaf pattern of the Lotus range was the work of another designer – Arne Clausen.
She was responsible for the form & colours of the range – and apparently preferred the enamel without the additional decoration.
Her range of products is vast – pots, pans, plates, cruets, bowls and cutlery.
There are decorative objects too, such as candelabra & vases…
…and not forgetting the beautiful jewellery – we just love her jewellery!!
The book is very well written – comprehensive, entertaining and informative.
It’s full of wonderful archive images, product advertisements & brochures.
Also, fabulous photographs of her work – which is some feat, as the beauty of enamel is very difficult to capture in print.
The book concludes with a wonderful reference section, including a fully illustrated catalogue of works and chronology.
It’s a must-have book for anyone who shares our passion – or is not yet familiar with her work.
[Many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company for the review copy]
