The Nordic countries, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, played a minor role in the historic development of world glassmaking. So, it is an astonishing fact that the area, with some 20 million inhabitants, produced more Post-War glass designers of international consequence than the rest of the Western World combined, with a population many times greater.
Glass Etc.
..... the centre of the glass universe!
Scandinavian
Glass
The Nordic countries, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, played a minor role in the historic development of world glassmaking. So, it is an astonishing fact that the area, with some 20 million inhabitants, produced more Post-War glass designers of international consequence than the rest of the Western World combined, with a population many times greater.
Inevitably, rivalries abounded within
such large, disparate group of strong-minded,
egocentric individuals. Sparks inevitably flew and
ideas were transplanted when they met each other and
witnessed the results of their work, both at their
employers’ premises and at the regular
prize-orientated international exhibitions of the
period. The result was an outpouring of designs of all
types, the evolution of which is explored in this
talk.
Andy examines the factors behind the
emergence of Scandinavian glassmaking and the designs
that resulted from it. This talk is based on knowledge
gained from his recent tour of the area’s leading
glassworks, including Orrefors and Kosta in Sweden;
Holmegaard, Denmark; and Riihimäki, Iittala and
Nuutajärvi, Finland.
The Nordic countries, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, played a minor role in the historic development of world glassmaking. So, it is an astonishing fact that the area, with some 20 million inhabitants, produced more Post-War glass designers of international consequence than the rest of the Western World combined, with a population many times greater.