Designer Desire: Gerda Heuckeroth

Selection of ceramic designs by Gerda Heuckeroth | H is for Home

Although much is known about the various West German pottery manufacturers such as Dümler & Breiden, Roth Keramik and Sheurich not many of the individual makers are familiar names. Gerda Heuckeroth was one of the few named designers.

She created wonderful designs for Ruscha (1959), Urania Ceramano (1962-64) and Carstens Tönnieshof (1964). I absolutely adore her square and rectangular plaques decorated with raised circles. I’ve included examples of them at the top & bottom of the montage. At least three different colourways were produced.

Gerda Heuckeroth eventually branched out on her own, setting up a studio in Berlin. Examples of her work are often available to buy at auction and on eBay and Etsy.

Image credits:

1st Dibs | Pamano

Forthcoming Attractions: Mid-October 2018

Vintage wooden drawers for seeds and twine | H is for Home Vintage Balinese Girl framed print by Vladimir Tretchikoff | H is for Home

Here’s our pick of the items soon to be available here at H is for Home. Autumn has arrived, so horticulture isn’t at the top of many people’s lists, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden at this time of year – and there’s also planning for next spring to consider.

This old wooden box for seeds, twine and tools is perfect for keeping gardening things organised. It has a pull-out drawer and lift-up lid with shelved interior, providing lots of storage space… and it looks gorgeous too!

And, speaking of gorgeous – what about this lovely lady? An original, vintage framed & glazed print of Balinese Girl by Vladimir Tretchikoff. She’s so striking – and one of our personal favourites from this series of works by the artist.

Vintage West German floor vase | H is for Home Vintage ceiling lampshade | H is for Home

The vibrant colour continues with this huge West German floor vase dating from the 1960s/70s. We love the bold orange and thick, dripping glaze. You couldn’t fail to notice this fabulous piece of pottery in any home décor scheme!

Hailing from the same era we have the aluminium light shade. This looks amazing when hung – the bulb light piercing the faceted plastic sections, casting beautiful shadows on the ceiling and walls. Perfect for a mid century modern space, suspended from the ceiling… or perhaps positioned down low over a dining table.

All items are available to buy now.

  • Seeds and twine box – £75.00
  • Tretchikoff Balinese Girl print – £225.00
  • West German floor vase – £65.00
  • Light shade £45.00

New vintage this month!

Arabia pottery salt pot with blue heart decoration. Sirpa pattern designed by Raija Uosikkinen | H is for Home

It’s been quite a while since we added fresh stock to our online shop. We’ve been busy with various summer trips to the Lakes, Hereford, London and Brighton. Also, the antiques centre where we hold lots of stock closed out of the blue recently… long story! So, that all needed sorting out too, which was quite an upheaval.

Having re-grouped, we’re back on top of things – and have added over a dozen new vintage items across various departments this week. That’s currently more than 400 pieces of vintage loveliness for your perusal!

You can click on each image to be taken to its product page on our shop website.

Vintage mid-century modern brass charioteer figure | H is for Home Pretty lidded pottery casserole dish with daisy decoration. Produced by Egersund of Norway in the 1950s/60s. | H is for Home
Vintage Elio Martinelli 660 lamp / Flex Calotta designed in the late 1960s/early 70s | H is for Home Vintage Hjerte Stage Monsterbe Paro cast iron taper holder with original box | H is for Home

And, if your after something in particular that you can’t see, please get in touch…you never know what’s lurking in our storeroom!

Designer Desire: Gunvor Olin Grönqvist

Collage of Gunvor Olin Grönqvist designs | H is for Home

In this week’s Designer Desire, it’s the turn of yet of another individual from the hugely talented Arabia stable, Gunvor Olin Grönqvist (1928-2005).

During our action-packed week in London a fortnight ago, we spent a sunny afternoon at the V&A exploring their splendid glass, ceramic and metalware galleries. They had a fair few modernist Scandinavian examples on display, including a couple of sculptural pieces by Olin Grönqvist (see top right image).

She worked at the Finnish ceramic firm for her entire professional career, which spanned 1951 to 1992. She was responsible for designing many of the company’s enduring patterns including Fructus, Köökki, Kosmos, Sirpa, Löyly (Steam), Sauna, Nimeton (Anonymous), Nooan Arkki (Noah’s Ark), Kengu, Valpuri, Soraya, Atelje, Haarikka (tankard), Tea For Two, Mimmi, Mamselli, Laura and Emma.

You can find vintage examples of her crockery and serveware readily on eBay and Etsy.

Portrait of Gunvor Olin Grönqvist | H is for Homecredit

Additional image credits:

1st Dibs | Bukowskis | Pinterest