PAUL HOFF. Lom, 3 pieces, stoneware, Gustavsberg.

Stoneware. Length approx. 20 cm.

Paul Hoff is a Swedish ceramist, designer and artist who was born on December 11, 1945 in Stockholm. He studied at Stockholm University between 1962 and 1963 and at HKS (University of the Arts) between 1963 and 1969. After his education, he was employed as a designer and designer at Gustavsberg Porslinsfabrik until 1974.

During his time at Gustavsberg he was a significant personality at the factory. He collaborated with and was inspired by other prominent potters and designers such as Berndt Friberg, Lisa Larson and Stig Lindberg, all of whom were active at this time. He worked on designing tableware models, figures and, above all, birds.

One of Paul Hoff's most famous and significant series that he created was the “Endangered Species of Animals” plate series launched in 1973. Another particularly noted series was “Tarzan”, which included four animal figures (fish, horse, lion, and seal) with surreal shapes and colorful decorations. He is probably best known for his many fine naturalistic birds and animals.

During the 1980s, Paul Hoff had a special assignment for the department store NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) in Stockholm where he created a high-profile series of stoneware figurines, including depictions of mountain rapes, toads and mountain owls. Each figurine was made in a limited edition and was carefully designed and hand-painted. A portion of the proceeds from the sale went to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

From 1972 to 1982 Paul Hoff also worked on designs for Kosta Glasbruk. In 1981 he founded his own company, “Paul Hoff Design,” in Transjö. After 1992 he chose to work as a freelance artist and devoted himself mainly to decoration and commissions in image and form.

Paul Hoff has had several exhibitions in cities such as Malmö, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Höganäs, Visby and Sundsvall, including his own exhibition in New York. His artwork is represented in several international venues, including The Corning Museum of Glass in New York, Hokkaido City Hall in Sapporo, Japan, The Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, as well as in Denmark, the United States, and the United Kingdom.