Glass

Glass is both fragile and strong. In the hands of skilled designers, the material is transformed into both unique works of art and everyday objects. Much of the glassware that is considered classic today is the result of centuries of aesthetic considerations and technical experimentation.

The Danish Glassworks and Designers

Denmark has a long and proud tradition of glass production. Among the most prominent Danish glassworks are Holmegaard, Kastrup and Fyens Glasværk, each of which has left a significant mark on Danish design history.

Holmegaard Glasværk was founded in 1825 as part of the industrial boom of the century. At that time, King Frederik IV wanted to strengthen domestic production, reduce imports from abroad and create more jobs for the Danish people. The glassworks was located at Holmegaard Gods in South Zealand and was early on tasked with supplying everything from household glass to technical glass products that could be used for laboratory equipment, industrial machinery and insulating windows. Since then, Holmegaard has become known for collaborating with some of Denmark's most prominent glass designers. Jacob E. Bang, Holmegaard's first permanent designer, cultivated a functionalist design language from the 1920s to the 1950s, while Per Lütken's soft and organic approach to his craft later led to the production of iconic glassware such as Ship's Glass and Provence.

Kastrup Glasværk became known early on after its founding in 1847 for its experiments with both art glass and broad color palettes, and until the merger with Holmegaard in 1965, Kastrup placed particular focus on decorative and distinctly exclusive products. Fyens Glasværk, which was established in 1852 and closed in 1975, excelled in cut and engraved glass, which particularly appealed to an exclusively oriented market.

At Harsted Antik we carry a wide selection of glassware from both these three prominent glassworks and from many other Danish glass manufacturers. Foreign manufacturers such as Val Saint Lamberg also regularly find their way to our shelves, and the range covers glass for every occasion.

Popular glass types

It's no coincidence that there are glasses for almost every type of drink. Wine, beer, schnapps and water glasses are all designed with their own function in mind, and even the smallest differences in size and shape can have a significant impact on your taste experience. As a proper cutlery correctly selected glasses are essential for setting the table, for example when you are preparing for a dinner with your loved ones.

Red wine glasses are typically known for their large bowls, which ensure the red wine gets the right amount of oxygen. The surface helps the wine open up and release its aromas, and when the scent is allowed to reach your nose, the overall taste experience is enhanced. White wine is generally more delicate and does not require as much oxygenation as its dark counterpart. The narrow opening of the white wine glass allows the wine to retain its acidity and freshness.

Beer glasses come in many different shapes, varying according to the type of beer and affecting both aroma and foam formation. Copper-colored ales are often served in goblet shapes, which highlight the beer’s complex aromas. A pilsner flute is designed to elevate and enhance the pilsner’s head, clarity, and color. And the tall, slender design of a weissbier glass holds in the fruity, spicy aromas that characterize wheat beer.

The narrow opening that characterizes schnapps and liqueur glasses concentrates the aromas of the alcohol and allows you to capture the different nuances. The use of small glasses for liqueurs and schnapps has deep roots in European drinking culture, and the small glasses signal that you should not drink but sip and enjoy.

Period-typical styles

Like furniture, textiles and architecture, glass design follows the aesthetics and ideals of the time. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Art Deco style gained prominence in Europe, and Danish glass production saw the emergence of geometric cuts and a careful combination of the elegant with the functional. Per Lütken's later work for Holmegaard Glasværk testifies to the development of a modernist design tradition, where organic shapes and delicate colors took center stage. The 1970s saw the emergence of pops of color and thick materials, and some offshoots of the postmodernist glass tradition are particularly clearly identified by asymmetry and strong color contrasts.

Glassware always tells a story. At Harsted Antik you will find glass designs from several of the mentioned periods, and whether you are looking for a beautiful addition to your display cabinet or an everyday glass for the breakfast table, you can always find inspiration in our carefully curated selection.

Inspiration and application

Glass plays an important role at the dinner table. When you set the table with elegant antique glass that has a history, you make the meal a special experience. For many people, glass is a collector's item that bears witness to the design and craftsmanship traditions of different times. And if you own unique glass from prominent glassworks such as Holmegaard or Fyens, you can both enjoy the place of the glass in your home and consider it an investment in Danish cultural heritage. Antique glass is also an obvious gift idea for those who appreciate history, quality and aesthetics.

If you want to create a complete style in your table setting, you can advantageously combine your glasses with porcelain from the same period. In addition, you may want to consider following the advice below to achieve the most beautiful setting:

• Use different types of glasses to highlight the character of the drink, including wide red wine glasses and narrow white wine glasses

• Create contrasts and depth in your table setting by combining glass in different colors and faceted designs

• Let the glasses play together with well-chosen porcelain sets and textiles to achieve a harmonious expression.

The right care

Antique glass is particularly distinguished from modern production by its craftsmanship and detail. When we at Harsted Antik assess older glassware, we look in particular for hand-cuts, irregularities and quirky colour nuances. All of these features are characteristics of a glass that was not mass-produced but individually. Glass is typically considered particularly rare when the model has only been produced for a short period; when it is available in limited numbers; or when it is designed by a particularly sought-after designer. Gentleness is the key word when it comes to caring for antique glass. As a rule, you should wash the most delicate glass by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap. You should avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause the glass to crack. And the glass should be stored at a distance. If you take good care of your glass, it can not only retain its beauty but also be an aesthetic feature of everyday life for many years to come.

Do you have any questions about our range? We look forward to hearing from you – please contact us by email, phone or by visiting the store on Store Kongensgade.