Ulla Winblad-Hjelmqvist, 58, Was Renowned For Ceramic Artistry

The Northwest lost a gifted ceramist when Ulla Winblad-Hjelmqvist died Oct. 18 of breast cancer, 10 days before her 59th birthday.

The Nordic Heritage Museum has acquired a collection of her pottery for permanent display. Mrs. Winblad-Hjelmqvist, who grew up in Helsingborg, Sweden, began drawing fans for her distinctive pottery from the day she immigrated to Washington in 1967.

The recognition that meant most to her happened in 1982, when the King and Queen of Sweden, visiting Seattle, bought a set of her dinnerware. On a later royal visit, Princess Lillian returned to Sweden with three of her porcelain pendants - pieces with lacelike delicacy.

Mrs. Winblad-Hjelmqvist trained in Sweden at Jie Johnsson's pottery and held a master's degree from Konstindustriskolan in Goteborg. For 10 years, she was designer and manager at Alingsas Pottery in Sweden, supervising 50 artisans.

In the Northwest, she was a member of the Washington Potters Association and Northwest Designer Craftsmen.

"She was always a cheery sight to see; she lifted spirits because she was such a positive person," said Loren Lukens, a past president of the Washington Potters Association. "She brought a special sensitivity and the sensibilities of European craftsmanship to her work. She injected an interesting Scandinavian influence into the local community of potters."

A sense of whimsy marked her work. She was particularly noted for containers shaped like fat birds, whose head formed a lid. Her work usually was on display at the Northwest Craft Center and frequently at other shops and galleries. Her studio and kiln were in her Edmonds home.

"Her work was unique, probably from her Swedish training," said Ruth Nomura, manager of the Northwest Craft Center. "It always had lots of detail. Lately she'd been doing raku jewelry with lusters."

In addition to functional tableware and delicate jewelry, Mrs. Winblad-Hjelmqvist created miniatures, which were chosen for the World Triennial Exhibition of Small Ceramics in Zagreb, Yugoslovia.

Her pottery was exhibited in 1984 at the International Academy of Ceramics USA Exhibition and photographed for the academy's 1985 calendar.

"She always had her best foot forward," said Vivienne Kjono, program chairman for the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in Seattle.

"Ulla was one of our first corporate members. She brought sunshine wherever she went. She was an outgoing woman, and she enjoyed networking. She was also a very astute businesswoman, a quick study. She sat on our board of directors as assistant program affairs chairperson. Everyone knew her and what she stood for. We'll miss her."

Mrs. Winblad-Hjelmqvist's husband died earlier. She is survived her mother, Elisabet Winblad, and her brother, Olle Winblad, both residents of Sweden. At her request, no funeral or memorial service is planned.