Pewter

Nora Gulbrandsen was one of Norway's first professional industrial designers, known for her work in modernist design for Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik from the 1930s onward.

Upbringing:
Nora grew up in an affluent family in Kristiania and passed her upper secondary school exam (examen artium) in 1914. In 1919 she had a daughter, and she was an independent woman with strong determination.

Studies:
She studied at the State School of Arts and Crafts (Statens håndverks- og kunstindustriskole) from 1923 to 1927, where she had prominent teachers such as Johan Sirnes, Enevold Thømt and Jacob Prytz.

Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik:
Gulbrandsen joined Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik in 1928, where she developed a new artistic profile. She designed several dinner services and quickly gained recognition for her work, including decorations and geometric design.

Production during the occupation years:
During the Second World War she had to adapt and produce coarser models, as raw materials were difficult to obtain.

Own workshop:
In 1945 she established her own ceramics workshop in Oslo, but was unable to perform at the same level as before.

Other work:
Gulbrandsen also worked with wallpaper, church textiles, silver and enamel, and she is known for her brooch featuring a rock carving motif.