LISA LARSON. Fox from the series Little Zoo, Gustavsberg, 1956-78.

Stoneware, partly glazed. Length 12 cm.

Lisa Larson born Gustavson on 9 September 1931 in Härlunda, Småland, is a prominent Swedish ceramist who is known for her significant contribution to the art of ceramics. With a career spanning seven decades, Lisa Larson is one of Sweden's most beloved ceramicists. Her humorous animals, sensitive children's portraits and powerful female characters have made her well liked both nationally and internationally.

She studied ceramics at the Släjdföreningen skola in Gothenburg between 1950 and 1954. She then began working at Gustavsberg in 1954, and this period played a crucial role in shaping her artistic legacy. When Lisa Larson first joined Gustavsberg, the artistic director of the factory was Stig Lindberg who became a mentor. Lisa found a supportive environment in which her creative talent could flourish. She was given the opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists and designers at the factory, including Wilhelm Kåge and Berndt Friberg, who were already established figures in the ceramics world. Her time at Gustavsberg encompassed 26 years and left an indelible imprint on the history of the factory and cemented her reputation as one of Sweden's most prominent ceramic artists.

After 1981, Larson began working as a freelance designer, collaborating with companies such as Rosenthal, KF, Höganäs, Skrufs glasbruk, Duka and Åhléns. In 1992 she founded the Ceramics Studio in Gustavsberg, where she also serves as artistic director. She has also created public artworks, such as Saltsjöbadsodyuret in Saltsjöbaden and Byzantine angel in Hällefors.

Lisa Larson's work has been highly appreciated internationally, especially in Japan, where she has had several successful exhibitions and collaborations with Japanese companies. In 2022, she was awarded the royal medal Illis quorum for her significant contribution to the art of ceramics.

It is difficult to underestimate the importance of Lisa Larson for Swedish ceramics, culture and art. Her legacy will live on and continue to inspire us to playfulness, simplicity and joie de vivre.