Collection: Cathrineholm (Norway)
The Cathrineholm factory opened in Halden, Norway in 1907. Originally producing ironworks and agricultural equipment, the company evolved over the decades into signage and general household wares, before ultimately specialising in enamelled kitchenware - the production for which it is best remembered today.
Designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen was contracted to Cathrineholm from 1955 until 1972. During that time she created a range of enamelware that became defining pieces of mid-century Scandinavian design. Her most celebrated work for the company is the iconic Lotus pattern (1962–65), alongside the lesser-known but equally refined Stripes (1956), Square (1958), and Bands (1958).
Cathrineholm enamelware is highly sought after by collectors today for its bold, graphic aesthetic and exceptional build quality. Pieces are found in a wide range of colourways - from classic avocado and burnt orange to rarer turquoise and cobalt - and span bowls, saucepans, coffee pots, and serving pieces.
Collector's Note
Contrary to popular belief, the flower motif displayed on the Lotus design was not the work of Grete Prytz Kittelsen herself, but of decorator and artist Arne Clausen. Grete has been known to comment that she doesn't particularly like the pattern and feels it detracts from her original solid-colour design; a detail that surprises many collectors encountering it for the first time.
