Currently indexing

Cutlery set

Classification(s):
Metal
Date: 1962
Designer: Tias Eckhoff (Norway, born 1926)
Organisation: Norsk Stålpress (Norway)
Dimensions:
295 × 220 mm (29.5 × 22 cm)
Medium: Stainless Steel
Object number: M152B
Title:Maya
Description7-piece stainless steel 'Maya' 'Satinsteel' cutlery set designed by Tias Eckhoff in 1962. Manufactured by Norsk Stålpress. The cutlery set is in the original presentation box, it was retailed by Heal’s, London for £3-15-2. The set includes a table knife, fork and spoon, as well as a smaller set of a knife, a fork and a spoon, and finally a teaspoon.

A maker’s stamp is engraved on the back of each piece “Maya Stainless 12-2Norway”.


ProvenanceThis object was originally acquired for the Inner London Education Authority’s (ILEA) ‘Circulating Design Scheme’ collection.

The collection was instigated by the London Country Council (later the Greater London Council) and the Council of Industrial Design (COID). The collection’s original purpose was concerned with the teaching and dissemination of modern, ‘good design’.

The collection was established in 1951/52 as the ‘Experiment in Design Appreciation’, later renamed the ‘Circulating Design Scheme’.

The Circulating Design Scheme lent boxed showcases to London schools. The showcases contained handling objects, material samples and interpretation on a specific subject.

COID withdrew its involvement in the Scheme in 1957. After which time, it was managed exclusively by the London County Council from 1957-1963.

After the administrative restructuring of London authorities, the Scheme was jointly managed by the Greater London Council and the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1963 – 1976.

The Scheme was operational until 1976 when the collections were withdrawn from circulation. ILEA was abolished in the late 1980s and the collection was donated to Camberwell College of Arts in 1989/90.

ILEA was responsible for secondary and tertiary education in the inner London boroughs, this included Camberwell.
NotesTias Eckhoff studied ceramic arts at the Norwegian State School of Arts and Crafts. After completing his training he was employed by the Porsgrund Porcelain works, later becoming Head Designer. During the 1950's Eckhoff was a prolific designer of flatware, in 1962 he designed the “Maya” cutlery range. This was his first cutlery pattern for Norstaal, on request from the company’s owner and founder. The ‘Maya’ design has a nearly circular bowl on the spoon, and four very short but thin tines to the fork. The pieces have broad, outwardly fanning handles.