Lisa Larson’s iconic design collection Birds 1967 have taken flight once again as Design House Stockholm revives a selection from the series
Photography courtesy of Design House Stockholm featuring Studio Shot 1, Birds 1987, designed by Lisa Larson
Modern Swedish design owes much to Lisa Larson, whose quirky ceramic designs brought warmth and wit to Scandinavian design classics. Larson passed away in 2024, but her work continues to live on. Now, Design House Stockholm is reviving a selection from her Birds collection, which spent decades hidden away amongst the many gems created by the celebrated Swedish ceramist.
With six celebrated birds launched in 2024 and more birds joining the flock in 2025, the unrealised designs embody both the playful flair of Larson’s creative ouevre, but also the spirit of the swinging sixties and the liberation of young women. The collection articulates Larson’s love of colour and sees each bird, crafted from solid beech wood, painted with vibrant shades and patterns.
Photography courtesy of Design House Stockholm featuring No.3, Birds 1987, designed by Lisa Larson
‘I was completely mesmerised by these birds craving for attention’, says Anders Färdig, founder of Design House Stockholm, reflecting on the collection, ‘Why were they not in production? The Mexican look, the outsized Flower Power patterns: Lisa Larson’s birds are almost like peace doves, a remembrance of a time when the young generation protested against war and dreamt about a new society.’
Lisa Larson built her legacy creating ceramic figurines and whimsical animal sculptures in Gustavsberg, Sweden. Her work was heavily influenced by her travels and experiences in the USA, as well as her time studying at UCLA. Infused with elements of Mexican folk art and the free-spirited ethos of the 1960s, her designs capture the optimism and creativity of the time.
Photography courtesy of Design House Stockholm featuring USA, Tokyo Birds 1987, designed by Lisa Larson
‘I brought back gouache colours [from the USA] in shades which were impossible to get in Sweden at that time,’ says Larson, ‘and I found a retired carpenter who turned out these shapes in wood which I then painted all by myself.’
Punctuated with bold, vibrant colours and patterns, Larson’s work embodies a handcrafted charm contrasting with the era’s strict functionalism. The revived collection by Design House Stockholm pays tribute to her joyful designs and highlights their timeless appeal.
Get a curated collection of design and architecture news in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
