Orrefors glass

The true history of Orrefors glass began in 1898 with the purchase by Johan August Samuelsson of the estate and former blast furnace and iron-smithy which existed on the site. To utilize the surplus wood that was plentiful, he decided to manufacture glassware, the timber being used to the fuel the operation of smelting sand, soda and calcium into soda-glass. An industrialist from Gothenburg later purchased the estate from Samuelsson's heirs in 1913 and found himself increasingly fascinated by the glass operation side of his purchase. By the end of 1914, with his help and encouragement, the nucleus of a highly talented art glass team was in residence and their first creations in the years of 1914-1915 were heavily Art Nouveau, owing much to the work of Emile Galle for their inspiration. Realizing the need for something fresh and distinctly their own, the artists experimented with different manufacturing and design techniques eventually producing a new line of art glass which, because of its very high quality and originality, brought growing fame to the company. Today, Orrefors continues to produce glass of the very highest quality. The new generation of designers, some of them part-time, have the skills and potential to match their predecessors and provide a continuum in their sharp mix of vibrant colours and modern designs. Exports now represent 50% of the firm's output while a broadening public awareness of Orrefors glass has led to its inclusion in art auctions. Examples by Held, Gate, Lindstrand and Ohrstrom are now included in sales at Sotheby's and Christie's worldwide. As well as a thorough history of the company and photographs of the work produced over the years at Orrefors, the author has also included detailed biographical entries of the principal artists and designers with information about the glass manufacture and decorating techniques employed by the factory during its distinguished history.