1918

Bjørn Wiinblad was born in Copenhagen in a family consisting of mother Ebba, father Otto and big sister Ulla.

1935-1939

Wiinblad began his apprenticeship as a typographer and then attended the typography course at Frederiksberg Technical College.

1940–1943

He graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Wiinblad first dreamt of becoming an illustrator, but before he would get that far, he discovered a love of ceramics.

1943

He started drawing and narrating children’s books, including Mukkerla’s 'Out in the Woods' .  In 1944, this was published by book publishing dealer Rasmus Naver. Wiinblad also created illustrations forAladdin. He learned about ceramic techniques at Lars Syberg’s workshop in Taastrup, where he also started working. He also learned about the cow horn technique and began decorating and painting with bright colours.

1945

Wiinblad held his first ever exhibition at the Copenhagen Binger gallery. Based on the exhibition's popularity, Wiinblad began collaborating with Haandarbejdets Fremme.

1946

Wiinblad was employed as an illustrator at Nationaltidende,and started working at the Nymølle ceramics factory, a collaboration that would span more than 30 years. This is also the year when Wiinblad drew his first poster, something he would later become famous for.

1947–1952

Wiinblad created drawings, illustrations and posters for the publications of several volumes ofAthousand and one nights. He also entered the theatre world as a decorator and scenographer withLysistralein Riddersalen. In the early 1950s, Wiinblad founded and established his own ceramic workshop in Kgs. Lyngby.

1955

He won a silver medal for a collaboration with potters Nathalie Krebs and Axel Salto at the first international ceramic festival in Cannes.

1957

Wiinblad was hired as a designer by the German design company Rosenthal AG. He worked with the company for almost 50 years, and some of Wiinblad’s most famous works from this time areRomane,LotusandThe Magic Flute.

1961–1962

Wiinblad became the first artist to exhibit at Illums Bolighus, an exhibition that would be much talked about. He decorated Tivoli’s restaurant, Færgekroen, and started working with decoration abroad – including hotels like the London Hilton.

1965

Wiinblad created a series of 12 monthly plates for Nymølle. That same year, he also received the prestigious International Design Award.

1966

He moved into The Blue House in Kongens Lyngby. Over the years, the house would have a major impact on Wiinblad’s life. Not only would it serve as the workshop for Wiinblad and the people he worked with – it was also his home until he died in 2006. Today, the house functions as a living museum.

1971

Wiinblad made a tea caddy for grocery chain Irma – the second art caddy produced for the company. Artist Per Arnoldi had produced one the previous year. Wiinblad also opened his own own business, Bjørn Wiinblad's House, in Copenhagen.

1976

He became co-owner of Nymølle Ceramic Factory in the same year as he received a knighthood by Queen Margrethe of Dannebrog. Wiinblad’s status as a collector’s item manufacturer began to pick up speed. One of Wiinblad’s famous fans is Hollywood celebrity Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1981, the actor said: "I love Bjørn Wiinblad and have bought many of his items, which go perfectly with my blue bedroom. I prefer his simple things, but all in all I love him, and if you don't like him in Denmark, then that just proves the old saying that a professional isn't appreciated in his home country."

1984

He was named “Man of the Year” by the Danish-American Society.

1989–1990

Wiinblad was rewarded for his many achievements around the world and received first Bakkens Oscar and the following year Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality’s Culture Award.

1994

He was behind the design of Restaurant Wiinblad at Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen.

2000

Wiinblad drew the first ever Christmas poster for Tivoli.

2006

Died in Lyngby aged 87. That same year, Bjørn Wiinblad’s Foundation was founded.

2010

The Blue House opened to the public. Bjørn Wiinblad’s private home and studio remain as though he just walked out the door. Bjørn Wiinblad wanted his home to be an open artist’s home and a living workshop for potters.

2014

Rosendahl Design Group acquired the rights to Wiinblad’s design and launched the first reinterpretations of Wiinblad.