Dezeen Magazine

Cylinda and Dot by Paul Smith for Stelton

Fashion designer Paul Smith has reworked a coffee pot by late Danish designer Arne Jacobsen to mark the 50th anniversary of Danish brand Stelton.

Smith has selected a range of 12 colours for the handles of the stainless steel Cylinda coffee pots, from bright tones to pastels.

The British designer has also created a corresponding collection of stainless steel bowls with 54 different colours applied to their inside surfaces and lids, called Dot.

Here's some more information from Paul Smith:


PAUL SMITH FOR STELTON 50th ANNIVERSARY TABLEWARE COLLECTION

This April, Paul Smith is delighted to launch a new collection of tableware to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Stelton. Paul Smith has re-worked designs from the Stelton Archives and the Arne Jacobsen’s Cylinda collection giving them a refreshing and contemporary update.

Danish designer Arne Jacobsen, best known for designing ‘The Egg’ and ‘Number 7’ chairs, is an exemplar of the 'Danish Modern' style. Paul Smith, the pre-eminent British designer, has long admired Jacobsen’s work and so was delighted to be asked to re-invent the now iconic Cylinda collection. The collection respects the integrity of the original design with tea and coffee pots in hand polished stainless-steel while incorporating highlights of colour on the handles indicative of Paul Smith’s innate sense of colour.

“I was very flattered when asked to work on this project, but equally nervous as I have such respect for this iconic collection by Arne Jacobsen. To tell the truth I was unsure whether I should take on the task of re-working such a beautiful, timeless set of designs. However, once I realised that I would just give a new lease of life through colour, I felt more comfortable. In addition to the collection I have added a series of colourful stainless steel bowls which hopefully respect the purity of Jacobsen’s work. I am very honoured to be part of this project” Paul Smith.

When Stelton opened as a small trading company in 1960, no one knew that the enterprise would eventually become one of Denmark’s best known design brands. Stelton initially produced stainless steel table service which was very popular at the time. Soon, Stelton gravy boats were selling like hotcakes at Danish hardware stores.

Designed by Arne Jacobsen and launched in 1967, the Stelton Cylinda-Line made an immediate splash. The simplicity of its cylindrical shapes and specially designed plastic handles characterized the series which, with its brushed steel surfaces, stood in striking contrast to the highly polished curves of its day. Later, Erik Magnussen designed the “Stelton jug”, building on the cylindrical shapes of the Cylinda-Line to create a thermal vacuum jug that quickly became known for its functional rocker stopper. The Stelton jug has gone on to sell more than 10 million units since its launch in 1979.

Stelton changed hands in 2004. Since then many new designers have been invited to create innovative products that meet contemporary consumer needs. While the cylindrical form can be seen in many of the new products, the current collection also includes a number of other, softer shapes.