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Vicke Lindstrand

Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was one of Sweden's most innovative and important designers of 20th century glass. His contributions were legendary. Throughout his long career, he was constantly developing new techniques, shapes and decorative styles.

Lindstrand trained at the Goteborg School of Arts and Crafts, and joined Orrefors as a designer in 1928. His early work at Orrefors included many important designs in heavy, clear crystal which were engraved or enameled with striking designs in the Art Deco or Moderne style. These early designs included the famous "Shark Killer" and "Pearl Diver" vases. In the late 1930's, Vicke Lindstrand began working in a more abstract style using the Orrefors technique of Graal to create wonderful, colored designs trapped within clear crystal. Also, in the late 1930's he played a key role in the development of the Ariel technique in conjunction with Edvin Ohrstrom.

Lindstrand left Orrefors in the early 1940's to work in ceramics at Upsala Ekeby. During this time his enthusiasm for glass was set aside. Fortunately, in 1950 he was hired as director of artistic design at Kosta where he remained until retirement in 1973. His arrival at Kosta was literally akin to the unleashing of a cyclone within a sleepy village. Hundreds of new designs were created at Kosta under his direction including the Colora and Unik Series. Such designs as "Autumn Leaves", "Trees in the Fog" and "Abstracta" vases were particularly important.