Nils Thorsson

A Master of Danish Ceramics

Nils Thorsson (1898-1975) was a ceramicist, silversmith, painter and designer who worked for Royal Copenhagen for over 60 years. He was one of the most influential and prolific figures in Danish ceramics, creating thousands of pieces that ranged from functional tableware to decorative art objects. He received many awards and honors for his work, such as the Eckersberg Medal, the Lunning Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. In this article, we will explore his life, work and legacy as a representative of Danish design, and discover why his pieces are so appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who love quality design with personality.

Early Life and Education

Nils Thorsson was born October 24, 1898 in Eslöv, Sweden. His father was a carpenter and his mother was a seamstress. He had three siblings, two brothers and a sister. He showed an early interest in drawing and painting, and also learned woodworking from his father. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he attended school until he was 13.

In 1911, he applied for an apprenticeship at Aluminia, a ceramic manufactory that produced earthenware pieces. He was accepted and started working under Christian Joachim, the artistic director of Aluminia. He learned the basics of pottery making, such as molding, glazing and firing. He also attended evening classes at the Technical High School in Copenhagen, where he studied drawing, painting and design.

In 1917, he graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he had studied under renowned artists such as Karl Madsen, Harald Slott-Møller and Joakim Skovgaard. He was influenced by their styles and techniques, as well as by the movements of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. He also developed an interest in foreign cultures and motifs, especially from Asia and Africa.

Career and Style

After graduating from the academy, Thorsson continued working at Aluminia as a designer. He created many pieces that reflected his artistic vision and expression, such as vases, bowls, plates and figurines. He experimented with different shapes, colors, textures and patterns, often inspired by nature or exotic themes. He also collaborated with other artists and designers at Aluminia, such as Kaj Lange, Gertrud Vasegaard and Johannes Hedegaard.

In 1933, he became the artistic director of Aluminia, succeeding Christian Joachim. He oversaw the production of earthenware pieces for both Aluminia and Royal Copenhagen, which had acquired Aluminia in 1924. He introduced new collections and series that became very popular and successful, such as Baca (1964-1974), Tenera (1965-1975), Marselis (1953-1969) and Solbjerg (1969-1974). These series featured modern designs with abstract or geometric motifs, vibrant colors and glossy glazes.

In 1949, he also became the artistic director of the stoneware department at Royal Copenhagen, where he worked until his retirement in 1969. He created many stoneware pieces that were more subdued and refined than his earthenware pieces. He used natural colors and matte glazes to enhance the texture and shape of the clay. He also incorporated elements from Scandinavian folklore and mythology into his designs.

Thorsson’s style and techniques were influenced by his personality and creativity. He was a curious and adventurous person who loved to travel and explore new places. He was also a perfectionist who paid attention to every detail of his work. He was constantly experimenting with new materials and methods to improve his craft. He was not afraid to break the rules or challenge the conventions of ceramic art.

Legacy and Influence

Thorsson’s impact and contribution to Danish ceramics and design were immense. He was one of the pioneers of modern Danish ceramics, along with Axel Salto, Patrick Nordström and Nathalie Krebs. He helped establish the reputation of Royal Copenhagen as a leading producer of high-quality ceramics that combined functionality with aesthetics. He also influenced many generations of ceramic artists who admired his work or worked under him.

His work is widely recognized and appreciated both nationally and internationally. His pieces are displayed in many museums and exhibitions around the world, such as the British Museum in London, the Design Museum Denmark in Copenhagen and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His pieces are also highly sought after by collectors who value their beauty, originality and craftsmanship.

One of his most rare and coveted creations are his silver jewelry pieces that he designed in collaboration with silversmiths from Anton Michelsen in the 1950s and 1960s. These pieces are very scarce and unique, as they were only made in small quantities and often given as gifts to his friends and family. They feature the same motifs and themes as his ceramic pieces, such as flowers, animals and abstract shapes. They are made of sterling silver and sometimes embellished with enamel or stones. They are considered to be masterpieces of Danish silver design.

Conclusion

Nils Thorsson was a master of Danish ceramics who devoted his life and career to creating beautiful and innovative pieces that reflected his personality and creativity. He worked for Royal Copenhagen for over 60 years, producing thousands of pieces that ranged from functional tableware to decorative art objects. He experimented with different shapes, colors, textures and patterns, often inspired by nature or exotic themes. He received many awards and honors for his work, such as the Eckersberg Medal, the Lunning Prize and the Prince Eugen Medal. He influenced many generations of ceramic artists who admired his work or worked under him.

His work is relevant and appealing to the audience who love quality design with personality. His pieces are not only useful and durable, but also expressive and artistic. They have a timeless charm that transcends trends and fashions. They are also valuable and collectible, as they represent the history and culture of Danish ceramics and design.

Nils Thorsson was a true genius of his craft, who left behind a rich and diverse legacy that continues to inspire and delight people around the world. He was not only a ceramicist, but also a silversmith, painter and designer who mastered multiple forms of art. He was not only a maker, but also a visionary who shaped the future of his field. He was not only a master, but also a legend who deserves to be remembered and celebrated.