Glassblowing Workshop

Overview

Nestled within the historic open-air museum of Skansen in Stockholm, Sweden, the Glassblowing Workshop, known as Stockholms Glasbruk, offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient art of glassmaking. It is Stockholm's only glass studio, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness skilled artisans transform molten glass into exquisite objects through a blend of artistry and precision. More than just a viewing experience, the workshop also invites curious travelers to try their hand at this millennia-old craft under expert guidance. Located in Skansen's 'town quarter' among other traditional businesses, the glassworks stands out as a vibrant hub of creativity and heritage, allowing guests to observe the entire process from raw material to finished product.

Visitors can watch live demonstrations, where glassblowers explain how sand becomes glass and showcase each step of the intricate process. Beyond observation, the Glassblowing Workshop provides interactive experiences, allowing individuals or small groups to participate in creating their own glass pieces, such as a flower, ornament, or bowl. This hands-on activity, supervised by master glassblowers, offers a deeply engaging and memorable encounter with Swedish craftsmanship.

History & Cultural Background

The history of Stockholms Glasbruk dates back to 1933, when it was founded in a basement room in Södermalmstorg. Just three years later, in 1936, the glassworks found its permanent home within Skansen, an establishment dedicated to preserving Swedish cultural heritage. The building itself is a reconstruction, meticulously crafted based on drawings from the late 18th-century Johannesholm glassworks in Venjan parish in Dalarna, and models from older glassworks in Småland. This careful reconstruction ensures an authentic historical setting for the craft.

The glassworks has a rich family legacy, having been run by the Berglund-Hammar family for generations. Ture Berglund and his wife Lily operated it from 1933 to 1980, followed by their daughter Marianne and her husband Göran Hammar. Today, Karin Hammar, a third-generation craftswoman, continues to lead the studio, embodying a continuous tradition of Swedish glassmaking. This dedication is particularly significant in recent decades, as Sweden's once-thriving glass industry has seen a decline, with much everyday glassware now produced abroad. The Glassblowing Workshop at Skansen, therefore, plays a crucial role in maintaining and showcasing this proud, traditional craft.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets Skansen's Glassblowing Workshop apart is its blend of living history, interactive engagement, and authentic craftsmanship. It is the only operational glass studio in Stockholm where visitors can witness glass being made firsthand. Unlike remote factories, the studio at Skansen brings the art directly to the public, fostering a deep appreciation for the skill involved.

Beyond live demonstrations, the unique opportunity for visitors to actively participate in glassblowing is a highlight. Under the watchful eye of a glassmaster, you can shape molten glass and add your chosen colors, transforming a glowing, viscous mass into a personal souvenir. This hands-on experience transforms a passive visit into an active cultural immersion. Another remarkable detail is the workshop's role in creating the iconic Eurovision Song Contest award since 1993, an abstract glass heart reflecting the host nation's colors, adding a touch of international fame to its local charm.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The workshop's connection to the Eurovision Song Contest award is a delightful fun fact; since 1993, the winners have received a beautifully crafted glass trophy made right here at Skansen. This highlights the high caliber of artistry practiced within the studio. The enduring family legacy, with Karin Hammar representing the third generation of glassmakers, speaks volumes about the dedication to preserving this craft.

Historically, the glassworks also takes pride in its ability to produce mouth-blown windows, a craft that largely disappeared in Sweden in the 1930s. The studio collaborates with other glassblowing teams to create larger pieces, and even offers courses on how to renovate old windows, serving as a valuable resource for maintaining historical buildings in Stockholm and beyond. This commitment extends to crafting unique pieces for various events and custom designs, alongside their distinctive 'cracked Skansen glass', a tradition since 1933.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, a visit to the Glassblowing Workshop is an engaging journey into Swedish tradition. Stepping into the warm studio, one is immediately captivated by the dance between fire and glass. The atmosphere is educational and immersive, with skilled glassblowers happily explaining the process and demonstrating techniques with precision and passion.

For those opting for the hands-on experience, safety is paramount, and the masters provide close supervision, ensuring a comfortable and memorable creative process. You get to choose pigments for your creation and actively participate in blowing and shaping the glass. The anticipation of seeing your finished piece, which needs to cool slowly overnight and is typically ready for collection a couple of days later, adds another layer of excitement to the experience. It's an opportunity to not only witness but also become a small part of Sweden's rich glassmaking heritage, leaving with a unique, handmade souvenir and a deeper appreciation for this ancient craft.