Lindshammar Glasbruk: A colorful chapter of Swedish glass art

Anyone who loves vintage Swedish glass has probably come across the colorful designs of this traditional glassworks. Lindshammar was different: bolder, more colorful, more modern.

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Lindshammar Glasbruk: Ein farbenfrohes Kapitel schwedischer Glaskunst

Hej everyone,

  

Sweden has a long tradition in glass art – and Lindshammar Glasbruk lies in the middle of the famous “Glasriket” (Kingdom of Glass).

Anyone who loves vintage Swedish glass has surely come across the colorful designs of this traditional glassworks. Lindshammar was different: bolder, more colorful, more modern. The glassware produced there over decades combines timeless aesthetics with Scandinavian craftsmanship.

Let's take a look at the history of Lindshammar – from its beginnings to its lasting legacy.

 

The Beginnings: How it all began

 

 


Founded in 1905, Lindshammar Glasbruk is one of Sweden's most traditional glass manufacturers. But things only really got exciting when designers with new ideas took over in the 1950s and 60s.

At a time when many Swedish glassmakers were focusing on clear, minimalist forms, Lindshammar took a different approach. They played with color, using bold tones that cast the classic elegance of glass in a modern light. No wonder Lindshammar earned the nickname "Glasbruket med färg" (The Glassworks with Color).

 

Gunnar Ander: The man who gave Lindshammar color

 

 


One name inextricably linked to Lindshammar is Gunnar Ander. The architect and designer took over the artistic direction of the glassworks in the 1950s and pioneered a completely new style. While other glass manufacturers oriented themselves toward the minimalist design language of Orrefors or Kosta Boda, Ander was inspired by the lightness of the colors.

His works are playful, yet stylish.

The luminous bottles, vases, and candle holders with their clear, geometric shapes have particularly captured the hearts of collectors. These pieces are now popular finds at vintage markets.

 

The 1960s & 70s: Lindshammar becomes a design statement

 

 


While Lindshammar established itself as a colorful alternative to other glass manufacturers in the 1950s, the brand finally became a design statement in the 1960s and 70s.

An important driver of this development was Christer Sjögren, who became artistic director of Lindshammar in 1965.

Sjögren was a designer who experimented with forms and structures. He designed, among other things, vases with relief structures, clear glasses with deep color gradients, and architectural glass for large buildings. His designs were not only beautiful to look at but also functional—a typical feature of Scandinavian design.

A particularly exciting project was the collaboration with Edvin Öhrström in the 1970s. Lindshammar Glasbruk produced 80,000 glass prisms for a monumental sculpture at Sergels Torg in Stockholm—a striking example of the interplay of art, architecture, and craftsmanship.

 

Why is Lindshammar glass so special?

 

 


Lindshammar stands out from other Scandinavian glassworks through its bold use of color and form. The bold, almost luminous colors were revolutionary at the time and remain so today.

Particularly popular are:

  • Bottles and vases in strong shades of blue, emerald green or warm amber
  • Bowls with color gradients that change their nuances depending on the light
  • Candle holders and glass objects with graphic patterns


Anyone who holds a Lindshammar glass in their hands immediately notices the craftsmanship. The glassware is heavy, sturdy, and has a special feel. No wonder Lindshammar pieces are highly sought after among collectors.

 

The decline and the lasting legacy

 

 


Despite its success, Lindshammar Glasbruk couldn't last forever. Like many traditional glass manufacturers, it struggled with declining sales in the 1990s and 2000s. Cheap foreign production made it difficult to compete with handmade glassware. Eventually, Lindshammar was forced to cease production.

But the designs live on.

Vintage lovers specifically seek out Lindshammar pieces, and they are sought-after collector's items in antique shops or online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. Anyone who acquires an original Lindshammar piece today owns not only a piece of design history but also a timeless work of art.

 

Where can you find Lindshammar glass today?

 


If you have fallen in love with Lindshammar's colorful glass objects, you can discover them in several places:

  • Vintage markets and antique shops in Sweden: Especially in the Glasriket region, there are always exciting finds.
  • Online platforms such as Etsy, eBay or Tradera: Lindshammar vases, bowls and candle holders regularly appear here.
  • Specialized galleries and collectors' fairs: Some dealers specialize in Scandinavian glass and carry a selection of Lindshammar pieces.

Conclusion: Lindshammar – A classic with cult status

 

 


Lindshammar Glasbruk wasn't just a glassworks—it was a creative playground for designers who weren't afraid to explore new avenues. The bold colors, clear shapes, and joy of experimentation made Lindshammar a true highlight of Swedish glass art.

Even though production has long since ceased, Lindshammar's legacy lives on. The colorful glass objects continue to add color to modern living spaces and are a statement of timeless Scandinavian design.

 

Do you already have a Lindshammar piece in your collection?

If not, it's worth the search - because these glassware items are not only beautiful, but also an investment in true Scandinavian design craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

 

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