Tea and coffee set by Marguerite Friedlander

Design Classic – Influential and important design

Extract teapot and tea caddy from the “Hallesche Form” series Marguerite Friedlander and Trude Petri
Extract teapot and tea caddy from the “Hallesche Form” series Marguerite Friedlander and Trude Petri

In 1929, a distinct porcelain studio was established at the Kunstgewerbeschule Burg Giebichenstein in Halle, under the artistic leadership of Marguerite Friedlaender, as a result of a collaboration with the KPM state porcelain factory in Berlin. She designed the Hallesche Form tea and coffee set for KPM in 1930, which was a huge commercial success, especially with Trude Petri’s gold rings (1931) decor.

Teapot – Hallessche forms

The hallmarks of this teapot (see below), one of the finest Bauhaus designs, are simplicity of form and timeless design well-adapted to industrial fabrication. The pure white glaze and clean surface of the teapot created an appealing and modern look. Form and function are wonderfully resolved in three crucial areas: an angled spout flows effortlessly without leaking; the countersunk lid does not fall out when tilted, and the big handle makes pouring easy.

Marguerite Friendlaender, 1930 teapot KPM State porcelain factory
Marguerite Friendlaender, 1930 teapot KPM State porcelain factory

Under increasing Nazi persecution, Wildenhain escaped Germany in 1940 and retreated to Pond Farm, a communal retreat in Guerneville, California. Her Pond Farm creations were offered in department stores like Gump’s in San Francisco and used the same concepts she pioneered in Europe.

Sources

Brohan, T., & Berg, T. (2001). Design classics: 1880-1930. Taschen.

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