Butterfly
Made in Sweden Stockholm, modeled about 1956 by Anders Liljefors and sand cast. It is a very beautiful butterfly; who would have thought of using this massively grogged clay body for such a a delicate creature, but it is strangely delicate. Partly glazed it was produced by Gustavsberg. Casting liquid clay in damp sand was a technique adapted by Liljefors and was previously used to make bathroom tiles. 11 inches wide. V&A Museum London.
James Tower (1919 – 88)This vase was made in 1957 in Wiltshire England. It is earthenware, with black slip over incised wax resist, under a white tin glaze. Also beautiful and about 24 inches across the widest part. V & A Museum.
Wall Plaque in shape of a birdFrom Finland, Helsinki, and made about 1960 Made by Birger Kaipianen at Arabia. Glazed earthenware, with applied mirror glass and black glazed “pearls”. This witty bird is typical of Birger Kaipianinen’s work and was one of his favourite motifs. He crafted larger three-dimensional birds out of ceramic beads, watch faces and wire. About 20 inches wide, totally crazy stuff! V & A Museum.
This is the first part of my day out at the V&A. I went just for the new ceramic halls and spent about three hours in there. I did however gravitate towards the Renaissance exhibition too, so there will be some pictures from those exhibitions in the coming days.