Norway's master glassworkers

In the small town of Jevnaker, Norway, 40 km north of Oslo, the Hadeland Glassverk has been producing exquisite glassware for over 250 years. Founded by Denmark's king Christian VI when Norway was in a union with Denmark, it is Norway's oldest company, and the only glassworks in the country. I was fortunate to be taken on a tour of the factory by Odd-Erik Johnsen, who was my host during my stay in Norway, and who has been a master glassblower for over 40 years.

According to Odd-Erik, one must practice the art of glass blowing, shaping and etching for at least six years to be a master. Following are images and descriptions of the process.

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To begin creating each piece, glassworkers dip a long hollow metal tube into a vat of melted glass (1,100 degrees C) to scoop out a mass to be worked. The glass is imported from eastern Europe. Here Odd Erik Johnsen begins the process.

Sometimes the glassworker will shape the hot glass before blowing it into the desired piece.

The glass is then shaped by blowing it to conform to a mold.

Once the glass piece has been formed, blowtorches even out any problem areas and smooth the surface.

Each piece is then transferred to an oven for carefully controlled cooling over several hours to add strength.

Three persons are required to make an intricate candlestick. Here two masters add another piece to the stick.

The final piece has been added and is fired while being rolled to even out the applied heat.

The base is melted to smooth it. This candlestick takes about 30 minutes to make, and three people working together. This piece retails for about 7,000 Norwegian kroner, or $875 (31,500 THB).

Many pieces, including this goblet, are etched with various designs. A master craftsman (this man has been etching for 35 years) marks the edges of the design on the glass, then manipulates it on a circular diamond saw. It takes 5 years of practice to become a master etcher.

A beautiful final design.

Hadeland Glassverk is a unique company that produces beautiful glass items. The parking lot is overflowing every day during the summer months, as visitors from several countries come to buy the unique products. If you are ever in Norway, a trip to this company nestled in the beautiful countryside of lakes and mountains, is well worth it.