Designer: Edwin Ollers


Edvin Ollers (1888–1959), born in Norrtälje near Stockholm, trained at respected Stockholm and Gothenburg art schools around 1909–1910. He spent most of his working life as an art teacher in Stockholm, while also producing paintings, ceramics and glass pieces. His design work included tableware and functional objects alongside landscapes and still lifes.

Glass & Ceramics

Ollers collaborated with several Swedish glassworks, including Åfors, Reijmyre, Elme and Kosta. A 1939 crystal vase he created for Åfors Glassworks is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His approachable, well balanced forms combined clarity of line with textural effects.

Artistic Sensibility

Beyond functional wares, Ollers painted still lifes and serene landscapes in post-impressionist style: often muted palettes and gently structured compositions, reminding some of Cézanne’s influence. His dual practice in applied and fine art reflected an integrated approach to design and creativity. 

Teaching Influence & Industry Role

For over three decades, Ollers taught drawing and decorative arts, and directed study trips for students across Europe. He was also involved in early 20th-century efforts to modernize Swedish glass production, aiming to bring better design to everyday use.

Legacy & Collectibility

Today, Ollers’s work is recognized in major museums like the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and the Met. Auctions regularly feature his designs, vases, candlesticks, ceramics, where pieces often fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on rarity and condition.