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Marianne Starck Table Lamp

Materials: Almost square brown and beige glazed ceramics base. Brass and iron wire. Fabric pagoda lampshade. White Bakelite E27 socket with a built-in switch.

Total Height (with lampshade): 145 cm / 15.35”

Lampshade: 40 x 40 cm / 7.87 x 7.87”

Height Base: 24 cm / 9.44”

Base: 15 x 15 cm / 6.49 x 6.49”

Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 75 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred.

Period: 1960s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: Marianne Stark (1938-2007).

Manufacturer: Michael Andersen & Sons, Rønne, Denmark.

Other versions: This Marianne Starck table lamp exists in several sizes and some variations.

Michael Andersen 

Michael Andersen Stentoj (ceramics) was founded in 1890 by Jens Michael Andersen (1859-1931) who learned his skills at Hjorth’s Pottery from Lauritz Hjorth. In 1916 Emil Folkmann Andersen joined the company, and it was subsequently named “Michael Andersen & Son“.

The pottery of Michael Andersen was located in Rønne, on the small island of Bornholm, Denmark. At first Micheal Andersen produced kitchen items and decorative pieces, much like the Greek style back then.

The Andersen’s had 4 sons which later on would all be working there. As they grew up, they developed their own style. Their designs and glazes won awards and in 1930, the new Persia technique used in glazing won a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Brussels. It was designed by Daniel Andersen (1885-1959).

Marianne Stark

During the mid century period Marianne Stark (1938-2007) was employed to develop art pottery which became a huge success. Various artists were employed including Knud Carl Edvard Kyhn (1880-1969). This period produced many fine works keenly sought after today. In 1993, the Danish Artist, Solveig Ussing, took over the company and runs it today. Solveig Ussing worked for the company since she was only 14 years old. The company has no website.

Initially Michael Andersen pieces were marked on the base with a factory stamp in Gothic type lettering. After the year 1930 the pieces were marked with the three herring mark which was the same as Ronne’s coat of arms. The earlier pieces have a chunky raised herring mark and later pieces have a flat impressed mark.

Marianne Starck, a German artist trained in Hamburg, was the artistic leader at Michael Andersen pottery for decades. She was a graphic artist and came from Northern Germany. Miss Starck stayed there until the end in 1993. She made a lot of great designs at Michael Andersen’s pottery. A very talented and versatile artist.

Jens Michael Andersen’s grandson, Sven Michael Andersen, never learned to know his grandfather, but was director of the family company for 33 years. It was from 1960 until the end in 1993.

Many thanks to Marjan from Vintage Drachten for the text, beautiful pictures and the enthusiasm.