HERTHA BENGTSON. “Blå Eld”, plates & serving bowls, 4 pcs, Rörstrand.

Blue-glazed flintware.
Dish dimensions: 40 x 27 cm.

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Hertha Bengtson (1917-1993) was one of the designers, ceramic and glass artist. Hertha's idiom was characterized by lightness, femininity, delightful glazes and a strong desire for experimentation. Best known is probably for the tableware “Blue 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 colour and form led to her being quickly hired and became an important part of the production. In 1941 she began working at Rörstrands Porslinsfabrik and was active there for the next two decades alongside 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 considerable attention for its innovative and functional design. It had a strong focus on functionality to make it easier for the housewives. The traditional serving platter and serving carots with refractory and oven-proof pots and saucers. The tableware was also designed to withstand machine washing, which was a novelty at the time.