Holmegaard Glass

A doyen of Danish design, Holmegaard Glassworks emerged from relatively humble beginnings in the early 19th century. The company, based in Fensmark, Denmark, has enjoyed worldwide acclaim as a high- quality glassmaker.

Holmegaard Glassworks was inspired by Count Christian Danneskiold-Samsøe, who petitioned the Danish king to develop a glassmaking company. Though the count died prior to the king's granting of this request, the count's wife, Henriette, pursued her late husband's dream in his absence.

The year 1825 marked Holmegaard's green glass pieces, but their rapid ascent into popularity resulted in their swift evolution into clear glass varieties. As the years progressed, though, Holmegaard stayed on the cutting edge of contemporary trends in glassware, inviting new designers into the studio to offer refreshed pieces. One of the most captivating designers was Otto Brauer, whose designs for Holmegaard in the '50s resonated with rich color and streamlined contours.

Quick Facts

• Count Danneskiold-Samsøe originally proposed that the glassworks be sited within a bog, as peat, a product of bogs, proved an ideal heating source for high-temperature kilns
• Holmegaard is respected for both hand blown and machine-blown pieces. A clue that suggests a Holmegaard piece is hand blown is the presence of the company's stylized swan logo
• In addition to Brauer, Per Lütken was one of Holmegaard's most celebrated designers. Working with the company for more than 50 years from 1942 to 1998, Lütken's creations, including his Provence bowls and Carnaby series, are some of the most iconic and highly collectible examples of Holmegaard's 20th- century style