Designer: Bertil Vallien

 Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 in Sollentuna, Sweden) grew up in a modest household as one of seven children. His creative path began at Stockholm’s Konstfack (National College of Arts, Crafts and Design), where he graduated top of his class in ceramics in 1961. His early artistic interests included painting and sculpture—skills that would later inform his work in glass.

Entry into Glass & Kosta Boda


After a stint studying in the US, Vallien joined Åfors Glassworks in 1963, which later became part of Kosta Boda. He swiftly embraced hands-on experimentation, working closely with glassblowers to explore form, color, and texture. Over six decades, he evolved into both chief designer and glass sculptor at Kosta Boda, continually pushing the limits of studio glass production.

Breakthrough Collections

Vallien made his mark with sand-cast sculptures: boats, heads and landscapes embedded with symbolic objects. Notable among his collections are Château (wine glass series, early 1980s) and Brains (figurative heads, launched in 1999). These signature works balance storytelling with material nuance, reflecting his fascination with narrative and duality.

Recognition & Influence

His art can be found in major museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Victoria & Albert Museum, and National Museum in Stockholm. Vallien has garnered prestigious awards: Sweden’s Prince Eugen Medal, an honorary doctorate from Växjö University, and the Visionary Award from the Glass Art Society.

Legacy & Ongoing Innovation

Even after six decades, Vallien remains at the forefront of art glass. His recent work—such as black “Under ytan” series and continued sand-casting explorations—demonstrates his ongoing commitment to technical innovation and poetic expression within glass art.