The Swedish design philosophy of “beautiful things for everyday life” is actualized in the vintage glassware of Orrefors. Founded in 1898, this glass manufacturer was one of the leading companies in the Scandinavian modernism movement and is revered by collectors for the fine craftsmanship and innovation of its superlative art glass.
Orrefors began making art glass — works that, distinct from mass-production pieces, are made in small numbers to showcase the skills and talents of artists and artisans — in 1913. Two of the first artists hired by the firm were Simon Gate and Edward Hald, who worked initially in the organic Art Nouveau style, and later proved adept with the geometric imagery of the Art Deco period.
Hald and Gate worked closely with glassblowers to refine traditional glassmaking methods, creating new materials such as "graal" glass. In the graal technique a design made with colored glass is encased in layers of transparent glass, preserving the image while the overall glass form is worked and shaped. Orrefors won an international following when it presented such pieces in Paris in 1925 at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes — the design fair whose name gave rise to the term Art Deco.
In the years following that success, Orrefors attracted more dynamic and experimental artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and Edvin Ohrström, who joined the company in the 1930s. Lindstrand and Ohstrom worked with glassblowers to create the "ariel" glass technique, an innovation that produces deeper, richer imagery that seems to morph and flow as light is refracted by the glass.
As you will see from the items offered on 1stDibs, there is a special aesthetic quality to vintage Orrefors glass. Whether a vase or a set of wine goblets, the work of this premier Swedish company represents the apex of functional artistry.
Chromed Brass and Glass Chandelier by Orrefors from the 1960s
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass chrome-plated frame with glass elements, fitted with 6 E14 sockets up to 60watts. Made in Sweden in the 1960s by Orrefors Glassworks.
Brass, Chrome
Orrefors drum shaped pendant by Carl Fagerlund glass and Brass, Sweden, 1960
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Two available sold individually. Carl Fagerlund design for Orrefors, Brass frame, brass finials holding the glass in place, 6 Edison sockets. Direct delivery can be arranged in the...
Crystal, Brass
Large Mid Century Glass And Gilt Brass Flush Ceiling Light Sweden, 1950
By Orrefors
Located in London, GB
Large Mid Century Glass And Gilt Brass Flush Ceiling Light Sweden, 1950 Designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Presented in excellent condition commensurate with age. Please messag...
Glass
Mid Century Modern Brass Art Glass Carl Fagerlund Orrefors Flush Mount Fixture
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Mid Century Modern Brass With Inset Glass Panels And Faceted Glass Center Bowl With Wood Columns Ceiling Flush Mount Fixture By Carl Fagerlund Manufactured By Orrefors, T...
Brass
Orrefors Dome Flush Mount, Sweden, 1960
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Orrefors flush mount ceiling plate is cream white metal with six European candelabra sockets the shade is a dome shaped pressed bubble crystal and details in brass.
Crystal, Aluminum
Mid-century glass and brass ceiling lamp/ fixture by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Mid-century ceiling lamp designed by Swedish lighting designer Carl Fagerlund and made by Orrefors- famous Swedish glass manufacturer. With beautiful solid glass with structure and brass frame and canopy. With 1 light. Place of origin- Scandinavia Period- mid 20th c. - Condition- Very good! - E 27 socket - The height of the lamps is measured including the brass canopy. - The height of the glass only- 25 cm Mentioned box dimentions for shipping are indicative. They are strong depended on the shipping location...
Brass
Orrefors Four panel Crystal pendant by Carl Fagerlund, 1970, Sweden
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Swedish Orrefors flush mount from the 1960s by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Brass frame four glass side panels with a bottom glass plate held by a brass finial in the bottom middle. ...
Crystal, Brass
A Glass Flush Mount by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in New York, NY
A cast glass flush mount by designer Carl Fagerlund for Swedish maker Orrefors. The rounded dome glass with scalloped edge secured with the original polished brass finial. Circa 1950...
Brass
Orrefors chandelier by Carl Fagerlund, 1970, Sweden
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Bronx, NY
Two tier Orrefors glass panel chandelier with several individual glass panels on a brass frame . four Edison sockets.
Brass
Single Orrefors Crystal Flush Mount Designed by Carl Fagerlund, Sweden, 1970
By Orrefors, Carl Fagerlund
Located in Bronx, NY
Very well kept Swedish Orrefors flush mount from the 1970s by Carl Fagerlund, A brass frame with a bottom glass plate hold by a shiny round flat brass disc in the middle surrounded b...
Crystal, Brass
A Single Orrefors Crystal Flushmount Designed by Carl Fagerlund, 1970, Sweden
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Bronx, NY
Very well kept Swedish Orrefors flush mount from the 1970s by Carl Fagerlund, Brass frame with a bottom glass plate hold by a shiny round brass finial in the middle. 2 candelabra lig...
Crystal, Brass