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Orrefors glassworks was founded in 1898. Orrefors became
internationally known during the twenties and ever since has
maintained its position as one of the world's most creative
glasshouses.
The following are a few of the highlights of Orrefors' century-long
history.
1898
Orrefors glassworks founded. To start with, the young glassworks manufactures mostly simple,
everyday objects such as jars, bottles and window glass.
1916 Graal, Simon Gate
The artist Simon Gate is taken on at Orrefors. A year later, Gate is joined by Edward Hald. Their
experiments result in new art glass made using innovative new techniques.
1925 Bacchus, Simon Gate
Orrefors' international breakthrough comes at the 1925 Paris Exposition Universelle. Orrefors
exhibits engraved showpieces alongside elegantly designed wares for everyday use and is
awarded one of the prestigious Grand Prix medals. During the twenties, Nils Landberg, John
Selbing, Vicke Lindstrand and Sven Palmqvist are affiliated to Orrefors.
1939 Ariel, Edvin Öhrström
Orrefors takes part in the New York World's Fair, where the expression Swedish Grace is coined
to describe the elegant sobriety of Orrefors glass. The designer Edvin Öhrström is hired during the
thirties. The forties see the arrival of the architect Carl Fagerlund and Orrefors' first female
designer, Ingeborg Lundin.
1957 Apple, Ingeborg Lundin
Orrefors takes part in several important exhibitions, including the Milan Triennial and H55 in
Helsingborg. The artist Gunnar Cyrén begins designing for Orrefors in the fifties.
1966 Pop Glass, Gunnar Cyrén
The sixties see a new approach to industrial design. Both whimsical and exclusive crystal is
shown. Designer Jan Johansson is hired in 1969.
1978 Kyoto, Lars Hellsten
During the seventies, more artists were affiliated with Orrefors. Olle Alberius arrived in 1971,
Lars Hellsten in 1972 and Eva Englund in 1974.
1988 Adam/Eva, Eva Englund
The eighties see an increase in demand for art glass. Orrefors launches Gallery, a collection of art
glass produced in a limited edition. The artists Erika Lagerbielke, Anne Nilsson and Helén Krantz
begin designing at Orrefors.
In the gallery the following designers are
exhibited: Ingegerd Råman,
Martti Rytkönen,
Jan Johansson,
Kjell Engman,
Ann Wahlström,
Anna Ehrner,
Annee Nilsson and
Lena Bergström.
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