Homes Antiques

Sweden was the most important glass-making nation during

the mid-century period. It manufactured sleek understated

vases mostly in the Småland region which is in the south of the

country and still renowned for production currently having

13 glassworks and studios.

‘The Scandinavians coined the ‘Modernism’ look’ says

Andy McConnell. Asymmetrical shapes were popular and the

palette was restrained: greens greys and blues.

Prices vary – more common pieces can fetch as little as £20

but rarer vases or matching groups can sell for more. A trio of

1960s vases by Swedish designer Nils Landberg (for leading

manufacturer Orrefors) costs around £600. Vases designed

by Erik Höglund such as those pictured above are good

entry level examples starting from £55. ‘The most expensive

piece of Swedish glass ever sold at auction was a mid-century

‘Graal’ (grail) vase by designer Edvin Öhrström which sold for

£100000 a few years ago’ reveals McConnell.

‘Gerda Strömberg was the greatest of the Modernist glass

designers in my opinion’ he says. ‘Her lustrous colourless lead

crystal vases look as if they have been hewn out of glacial ice.’

Other Scandinavians such as Per Lütken (whose vessels were

made at Holmegaard factory in Denmark) made similar vases.

MID-CENTURY SCANDINAVIAN GLASS VASES

44 H&A SUMMER 2017