Lars Hellsten

Lars Hellsten’s Life and Career

Lars Hellsten was born on July 18, 1933, in Stockholm and studied sculpture at Konstfack, Sweden’s leading art and design school. His artistic education provided him with a strong foundation in form and materials, which would go on to influence his unique style as a glass designer. After his studies, he began his career at Skrufs glassworks, where he worked from 1964 to 1972. It was here that he started experimenting with textured surfaces and massive forms, which became a hallmark of his style.

In 1972, Lars Hellsten was hired by Orrefors, one of Sweden’s most prestigious glassworks, where he remained for over three decades. During his time at Orrefors, he revitalized traditional glassblowing techniques and contributed to the development of contemporary Swedish glass design. He particularly worked with the centrifugal technique, where molten glass is spun to create symmetrical and dynamic shapes.

Lars Hellsten’s Most Famous Works

During his long career, Lars Hellsten created a number of iconic works that have become symbols of Swedish glass art. Among his most famous collections are:

• Corona (1978) – A series of bowls and vases inspired by the moon’s halo. These pieces are characterized by their hexagonal, crown-like shape and the fantastic light play that emerges in the crystal. The Corona series became one of Orrefors’ most popular products and is still sought after on the second-hand market.
• Odyssey (1990s) – A collection of faceted crystal vases and bowls with sharp lines and geometric patterns. These objects reflect light in a spectacular way and showcase Hellsten’s skill in combining functionality with artistic expression.
• Meteor (circa 1990) – A series of glass artworks with internal air bubbles and spiral effects. This series demonstrates Hellsten’s experimental side and his ability to create vibrant, cosmic expressions in glass.
• Discus (1995) – Crystal tealight holders with a disc-shaped design that beautifully refracts light. The Discus series became very popular and is still in production.
• Amour & My Heart (2000s) – Heart-themed glass pieces created to symbolize love and emotions. These objects show a softer side of Hellsten’s work and are popular as gifts and collectibles.

Lars Hellsten’s Influence on Swedish Glass Art

Lars Hellsten was one of the most influential designers in Swedish glass art during the 20th century. His work is characterized by a harmonious balance between artistic freedom and functional design. He was often inspired by nature – light, water, and organic shapes frequently appear in many of his works.

One of his greatest technical contributions was the development of the centrifugal technique, which enabled the creation of symmetrical and dynamic shapes in glass. He also worked with air bubbles and color shifts to create depth and movement in his creations. Thanks to Hellsten’s efforts, Orrefors’ designs were revitalized and modernized to suit the contemporary market.

Lars Hellsten’s Legacy and Impact

Lars Hellsten’s works are today represented in several major museums, including the Nationalmuseum and the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His designs are still sought after by collectors, and many of his classic works continue to be produced.

Hellsten passed away in 2022 at the age of 89, but his influence on Swedish and international glass design lives on. His creations, which combine artistic innovation with technical brilliance, have cemented his place as one of the great masters of Swedish glass art.