The retro appeal of Cathrineholm
Fans of mid-century modern design may already be acquainted with the colourful Cathrineholm. If you don't know the name, you are sure to recognise the simple and colourful designs that became popular in 50s, 60s and 70s. Here at Kernow Furniture we love stocking retro kitchenware - there's something incredibly fun about it. We have a gorgeous Yugoslavian Enamel Tea Pot available at the moment which we think would look stunning in a vintage retro kitchen!
This fun and quirky Scandinavian kitchenware was produced between 1962 and 1965 and was extremely popular in Scandinavia and the U.S, which has now extended it's reach across the globe as the vintage home has become an interior design must-have. The most popular and eye catching design is the Lotus leaf design that we currently have available. Aesthetically pleasing as well as practical and easy to clean, this enamelware came in several colours [11 we believe] and different combinations. There was no longer an excuse to have dull kitchenware!
Cathrineholm's chief designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen, often referred to as the 'Queen of Scandinavian Design', played a huge part in the Scandinavian design movement. Her designs were very recognisable and became very desirable. Kittelsen was apparently not responsible for the lotus design, despite it being credited to her. The story goes, that one of the workers at Cathrineholm, Arne Clausen, came up with the pattern and it was subsequently added to Kittlesen’s designs without her approval. Viewing her own designs, you can see a distinct difference.
Interestingly, Cathrineholm is often mistaken for being a designer named 'Catherine Holm', but it is actually an ironworks in Norway which began production in the early 1900s. They produced enamel kitchen and cookware until their closure in 1970.
Cathrineholm's range of enamelware included coffee pots and tea kettles, oven dishes, saucepans, skillet pans, casserole dishes, enamel bowls, plates and canisters, fondue sets and more. Toward the seventies, the more subdued, earthy tones were brought into the design to complement the most popular colours of the 1970s kitchen..
Colourful and striking designs are always appealing, and there has been a resurgence of late, making these very attractive for collectors. If you're a lover of Orla Kiely home and kitchenware and her take on these retro designs, you're sure to find a spot for Cathrineholm!
Check out our Catherineholm Lotus Enamelware.
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Kernow Furniture - online store based in Cornwall for vintage, retro & antique furniture, home accessories and quirky gifts.
We specialise in good quality 19th and 20th century furniture & have 100s of items for your home and garden in stock now. We regularly stock Ercol, G Plan, Ladderax, mid century, arts & crafts, antique pine, mahogany, solid oak, good quality vintage & antique furniture. We love vintage chairs!
