GUNNAR NYLUND

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was a key figure in 20th-century Scandinavian ceramics, celebrated for his pioneering designs and innovative approaches. Born in Paris, Nylund had a rich artistic heritage, with his father being the renowned Finnish sculptor Felix Nylund and his mother, Danish-born Fernanda Jacobsen-Nylund. His early life was shaped by his family’s travels through Europe, living in France, Italy, Denmark, and eventually Finland. In 1918, due to the Finnish Civil War, Nylund and his mother fled to Denmark, where his journey into the world of ceramics would begin.

Initially pursuing architecture in Copenhagen, Nylund's path shifted in 1925 when he took a position at the prestigious Bing & Grondahl Porcelain Factory. His work here was centered on stoneware, though he grew frustrated with the factory's conservative approach to design, which left little room for modern experimentation. This drive for innovation led him, along with chemist Nathalie Krebs, to co-found the Saxbo ceramic workshop in 1929. At Saxbo, Nylund was responsible for shaping the pieces while Krebs handled the glazing and firing processes. Together, they created stoneware that was lauded for its quality and innovation, gaining widespread recognition, particularly after an exhibition in Stockholm.

In 1931, Nylund's growing reputation led to an offer to become the artistic leader at Rörstrand, one of Sweden's most prestigious ceramic factories. It was here, during the 1930s and 1940s, that Nylund made some of his most significant artistic contributions. Under his leadership, Rörstrand experienced a period of tremendous expansion and innovation, with Nylund introducing modern designs that aligned with the Swedish Grace movement, a style influenced by Art Deco. His work during this era, particularly the "Flambé" series, characterized by bold geometric shapes and vibrant glazes, became emblematic of the era.

Nylund’s work extended beyond functional pottery. He also created a wide array of animal figurines and sculptures, often crafted from stoneware and featuring intricate feldspar glazes. These lifelike yet stylized animals, ranging from bears to lynx, became beloved for their attention to detail and artistic expression. His keen sense of experimentation led to iconic works such as the "Chamotte" series, which featured rough, textured surfaces and vivid glazes. The famous “hedgehog vases,” with their scarified forms, stand as some of his most inventive pieces, demonstrating his ability to blend playful forms with modern techniques.

Beyond Rörstrand, Nylund briefly served as the artistic director at Nymölle Ceramic Factory, further influencing the Scandinavian ceramics scene. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramic techniques, always eager to experiment with new materials, forms, and glazes.

After a long and successful career, Nylund retired to Lomma in southern Sweden, where he continued to create in his personal workshop and wrote his memoirs, reflecting on a life rich with artistic exploration. His legacy remains a cornerstone of Scandinavian ceramic design, with his works highly sought after by collectors around the world. From his innovative glazes to his modern forms, Nylund’s contributions to ceramics are celebrated for their craftsmanship, creativity, and enduring influence on modern design.