HERTHA BENGTSON. A flintware bread basket, “Blå Eld”, Rörstrand, 1954.

Bowl with hanger, glazed in green. Stamped with Rörstrand logo and 542.
about 19.5 x 21.5 cm. Height 12 cm.

Hertha Bengtson (1917-1993) was a designer, ceramic and glass artist. Hertha's design language was characterized by lightness, femininity, delightful glazes and a strong desire for experimentation. She is probably best known for the tableware "Blå Eld", launched in 1951.

Hertha Bengtson began her career as a pattern designer at Hackefors in 1937, after studying porcelain painting in an evening course. Her exceptional sense of color and form led to her being quickly hired and becoming an important part of the production. In 1941, she started working at Rörstrand's Porslinsfabrik and was active there for the next two decades together with designers such as Marianne Westman, Carl-Harry Stålhane and Gunnar Nylund.

In the latter part of his career, Bengtson expanded his work to include other materials and collaborations. She designed tableware such as Jasmin in stoneware for Höganäs and Caldo-Freddo for the German Rosenthal group and the Thomas factory. In addition, she developed a passion for glass and began collaborating with Strömbergshyttan to create her own art glass.

"Blue Fire" was groundbreaking for its time and received a lot of attention for its innovative and functional design. It had a strong focus on functionality to make it easier for housewives. The traditional platter and serving trays with fireproof and ovenproof pots and pans. The tableware was also designed to be dishwasher safe, which was a novelty at the time.