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Pair of Art Deco book-ends by Erling Olsen, Wedgwood, circa 1935
About the Item
A very rare pair of bookends by this much sought-after designer, Erling Olsen. He did a small amount of work for Wedgwood, including at least two designs for bookends; but this basalt example is very scarce.
Erling Olsen, a prominent figure in the Art Deco movement, is celebrated for his distinctive contributions to design during the early to mid-20th century. Born in Denmark in the late 19th century, Olsen's early exposure to the arts and craftsmanship in his homeland profoundly influenced his design aesthetic. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills in various artistic disciplines, including architecture, furniture design, and decorative arts.
Olsen's work is characterized by the sleek lines, geometric forms, and luxurious materials that define the Art Deco style. He seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating pieces that were both practical and visually striking. He is perhaps best known for his innovative furniture designs, utilizing exotic woods, metals, and glass, often incorporating inlays and marquetry to enhance the visual richness of his pieces. His furniture ranged from elegant seating and tables to sophisticated cabinetry.
Beyond furniture, Olsen contributed to the design of buildings and interiors. He was involved in several high-profile projects where his ability to integrate Art Deco elements into architectural spaces was highly regarded. His interiors often featured custom-designed fixtures and fittings that complemented his overall design vision. Additionally, Olsen designed a variety of decorative items, including lighting fixtures, ceramics, and textiles. Each piece reflected his attention to detail and his commitment to the Art Deco ethos of combining artistry with industrial precision.
Among Olsen’s notable projects were collaborations on landmark buildings and luxury hotels in Europe and North America. His work on these projects often included comprehensive design schemes that encompassed furniture, fixtures, and overall interior layout. Olsen’s designs were featured in several international exhibitions, showcasing his work to a global audience and cementing his reputation as a leading Art Deco designer.
Erling Olsen’s contributions to the Art Deco movement have had a lasting impact on the field of design. His ability to merge elegance with modernity influenced subsequent generations of designers. Today, Olsen’s pieces are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Art Deco design. His works are often seen in museums, galleries, and private collections, appreciated for their artistic value and historical significance.
Olsen’s legacy remains a testament to his skill and vision, embodying the spirit of an era that celebrated innovation, elegance, and the fusion of art and industry.
- Creator:Wedgwood (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Stoneware,Molded
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1935
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Melbourne, AU
- Reference Number:Seller: 60271stDibs: LU3151340125492
Wedgwood
Arguably the most celebrated of all English ceramics makers, Wedgwood was founded in 1759 by potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95) in Staffordshire, which was home at one time to hundreds of pottery workshops. The company is famed for its Jasperware — molded neoclassical stoneware vases, plates and other pieces inspired by ancient cameo glass, featuring white figures, scenes and decorative elements set in relief on a matte-colored background. The best-known background hue is light blue, but Wedgwood’s iconic silhouettes also appear on green, lilac, yellow, black and even white grounds. Some antique Wedgwood dinnerware pieces and other items feature three or more colors.
The Wedgwood firm first came to prominence for its tableware, which quickly gained favor in aristocratic households throughout Britain and Europe. In 1765, Wedgwood was commissioned to create a cream-colored earthenware service for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III. The queen was so thrilled with her new china that Wedgwood was given permission to call himself “Potter to Her Majesty,” and the decorative style became known as Queen’s Ware.
Not to be outdone, Catherine the Great of Russia commissioned her own set of Wedgwood china in 1773. Nearly 200 years later, the firm created a 1,200-piece service for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, leading designers including Jasper Conran and Vera Wang have collaborated with Wedgwood — in the tradition of such distinguished 18th-century artists such as the painter George Stubbs and metalsmith Matthew Boulton.
From plates and other dinnerware to decorative items like urns, cachepots and candlesticks, Wedgwood designs lend a traditional air to Anglophile interiors. And even if you have to make your own tea, you may find it comforting to sip it from a delicate cup that was manufactured in the same Stoke-on-Trent kiln that produced Her Majesty’s tea service. Be sure to keep your pinky raised.
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