Thursday, 26 October 2017

West Sweden: Lidköping, Läckö Castle and Anna Elzer Oscarsson

Day 3 of my recent trip to Sweden was probably my favourite. Leaving beautiful Bjertorp Castle behind we travelled to the porcelain town of Lidköping where a visit to the Rörstrand Museum is a must. Here unfolds the story of one of Europe’s oldest porcelain factories, and the Swedish porcelain crown jewel, Rörstrand. The collections span almost three centuries, from 1726 until today. After visiting the museum we met Anna Elzer Oscarsson who toured the Lidköping Porcelain Factory with us and showed us the production of her 3D sculptured vases.

Anna Elzer Oscarsson

Anna Elzer Oscarsson is a designer and a graduate of HDK – School of Design and Crafts, University of Gothenburg. Her Dancing Dune collection of vases, bowls and plates is manufactured in this famous old porcelain factory and created with a new technique that uses 3D design in combination with manual dexterity. A complex, careful process in which new, innovative forms interact with classic glazes. Anna herself is bubbly and inspiring. Her enthusiasm for her ceramics is infectious, and it was a pleasure to learn about the techniques used and watch the vases in creation.

Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Dancing Dune Collection in the Making - West Sweden Design

Dancing Dune

Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Dusty Diamonds - Unglazed - West Sweden Design

Dusty Diamonds

*****

Läckö Castle

Läckö Castle on Lake Vänern (the largest lake in Sweden – so large I thought it was the sea!) is a baroque work of art, from its dazzling white walls to its ornately painted and furnished halls and rooms.

Lacko Castle - West Sweden

Lacko Castle - West Sweden

©Robert Dahlburg

*****

Läckö Castle Garden

The little castle garden is outstanding, and we were treated to a tour by Simon Irvine the Head Gardener for twenty five years. The garden, with its different floors, framed by tall white stone walls is an oasis of green. Each spring, Simon and his team turn the earth by hand, carefully and methodically. The cultivation is organic and all the edible vegetables, fruits and herbs are carried immediately down to the hotel kitchen. We knew we were in for a treat at dinner that night. Even if you are not that interested in gardening, you’ll be captivated by Simon and the lushness of the produce. Each plant was sliced into and given to us to taste.

Lacko Castle - West Sweden - garden

Lacko Castle - West Sweden - gardener - Simon Irvine

©Robert Dahlburg

*****

Workshop in Läckö Castle with Anna Elzer Oscarsson

After yet more Fika we enjoyed a workshop with Anna. Using the stunning castle as a backdrop, we were offered a selection of Anna’s vases, and some stems from Simon’s garden, to style and photograph our own homage to all three. Throw in a bit of competitiveness (the results were going to be shown on a slideshow before dinner), and the results were all beautiful. Who wouldn’t be inspired by this stunning light too. My own photographs are below starting with the table of raw materials we chose from.

Styling Workshop with Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Designer from West Sweden

Styling Workshop with Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Designer from West Sweden

Styling Workshop with Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Designer from West Sweden

Styling Workshop with Anna Elzer Oscarsson - Designer from West Sweden

*****

I was a guest of Frida Ramstedt (Trendenser) and the West Sweden Tourist Board to promote West Sweden as a design destination for this visit but all views and images, unless otherwise credited, are my own.

 

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from Dear Designer http://deardesigner.co.uk/west-sweden-linkoping-lacko-castle-anna-elzer-oscarson/

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