The genius designer who built Gustavsberg's golden age
Stig Lindberg ( 1916-1982) was one of Sweden's most representative designers of the 20th century, and as art director of the Gustavsberg Porcelain Manufactory, he created the golden age of Nordic ceramic design.
Lindberg was talented not only in ceramics but also in textiles, illustration, industrial design, and more. We will introduce his diverse creative world.
📋 Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) Profile
| Years of birth and death | Born August 17, 1916 in Umeå (northern Sweden) – died April 7, 1982 in San Felice Circeo, Italy (aged 65) |
| family | The youngest of five children. Her father, Herov, was a soldier, and her mother, Lidia, was a teacher. |
| education | Studied painting at Konstfack, the National School of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm |
| Career | He entered Gustavsberg in 1937. He studied under the legendary ceramic artist Wilhelm Kage, and in 1949 he succeeded Kage as art director. He worked at Gustavsberg for approximately 43 years until 1980. |
| educational activities | 1957-1970 Senior lecturer at Konstfack (National University of Arts, Crafts and Design) |
| Area of activity | He was talented in many areas, including ceramic design, textile design, illustration, industrial design, and painting. He also worked on fabrics for NK Department Store and Jobs Hand Print. |
| Representative work | Bersa (1960s), Prunus , Carnival, Adam, Sweden (Thé), and many others. Also produced many studio works (Unika). |
Lindberg and Gustavsberg
Lindberg joined Gustavsberg in 1937 and studied under the legendary ceramist Wilhelm Kåge. When he succeeded Kåge as artistic director, he brought a new air to Gustavsberg.
Lindberg, who continued to take on the challenge of combining artistry with mass production, perfectly embodied the Scandinavian design principle of "beauty in the everyday." His work is driven by the belief that beauty is not just for the privileged, but should be on the dining table of every family.
Representative series
Berså
Bersa, released in the 1960s, is one of Lindberg's most famous series. Its design, featuring a vivid green leaf motif, brightened up Scandinavian kitchens at the time. It remains immensely popular in the vintage market today and is an iconic presence in Scandinavian design.
Prunus
The Prunus series features beautiful, delicate floral patterns. Its soft colors contrast with the Bersa series, bringing an elegant atmosphere to the dining table.
Carnival
As its name suggests, the Carnival series is festive and glamorous. Characterized by colorful patterns, it is a work that fully demonstrates Lindberg's playful spirit.
Studio Works (Unika)
Apart from mass-produced pieces, Lindberg also produced a number of one-of-a-kind studio pieces (uniques). Characterized by organic forms and experimental glazes, these pieces represent the purest expression of his artistic talent. These unicas are highly prized in the collector's market.
Lindberg's textile designs
In addition to ceramics, Lindberg also made a significant contribution to textile design, creating fabrics for NK department stores and Jobs Handprints that revolutionized Scandinavian interior design with their bold patterns and bright colors.
Why are Lindberg's works still loved today?
The fact that pieces designed more than half a century ago blend seamlessly into modern interiors is the true essence of Lindberg's designs. Their timeless beauty, unaffected by trends, and their universal message of "making everyday life beautiful" continue to resonate with us throughout the ages.
We stock vintage Lindberg pieces purchased directly from Sweden. From Bersa to Unica, come and experience their charm for yourself.