The history of glass in Sweden
THE MIDDLE AGES
The glass came to Sweden in the first centuary AD. In the Nordic countries it has been found that one glass imported from the Rhineland, where it also was produced. The glass in the Middle Ages was not used as drinking glass or for household. In first place was the window to the churches and nobility that glass was used.1500-1600
First, during the 1500s began to produce glass in Sweden. The initiator of the glassworks was Gustav Vasa and aristocracy. The plants were small with no more than a few champions and some workers.Production consisted of drinking glass, decorative glass, container glass, bottles of various types and window glass. The court had begun to use glass at celebrations and habit of breaking the glass since they had drunk from it gave a comprehensive production.
Production was attached to the court, aristocracy and churches Glass Manufacturing was a pure lyxproduktion.
1600-1700
Even during the 1600s was Mälardalen, Stockholm primarily with the immediate surroundings, the center of the Swedish glass production. Skilled workers brought from Italy and the Continent. It is during the 1600s as glass production started in Småland of Charles IX's son on the side line, Karl Karlsson Gyllenhielm and holland creditor Arnold de Rees, who is seen as the initiator of the two mills Tres Tenhult and Midningsbråte where Paul Gaukunkel accounted for vocational skills. Glass production was during the 1600s primarily for the highest social classes. Production is to be of the same type during the last century.1700-1800
During free time looking for great powers to stimulate domestic production of various goods, including glass that was protected by tariffs. During århundrandet built 16 use. Production was largely intended for regional and local markets. Production had come over the previous problems, while the general stabilization of the country's economy, the growing capital assets and the increased technical knowledge also affected the glass manufacturing. It was also not in the same degree as before in need of foreign skills, when it started to get a domestic strain of skilled glass workers.1800-1850
Glass Manufacturing broadly followed the same lines as before, with a few notable exceptions, they now began to specialize. The number of products increased rapidly. From the 1830's began to publish price lists, which meant that one better than before can follow of the manufacturing process changes. Ground glass becomes more common, pressed glass, plates, sugar bowls and salt shakers, etc.. The use of glass spread now through the various social classes, which meant increased demand.1850 -1870
This period marks the modern industrialization breakthrough, both the Swedish industry in the manufacture of glass. 16 new glassworks was established, while one could begin to see an industry concentration. Initiator service establishment was primarily managers and glass blowing master.The dependence on immigrant skilled workers were now pouring. Production became more differentiated, olive abrasive mixture softer forms became more common, not least decanters and glasses. They also began to paint glass with enamel colors. Imitations of ground glass is now beginning to emerge. Even drinking glass was first produced in pressed glass technology.
Decade after 1850 meant the beginning of the modern glass manufacture: emergence. The larger units increased capacity at the mills.
From being a luxury becomes glass in its various forms more and more a daily item.
1870-1880
During the 1870s, built no less than 23 glassworks, including 10 in intensive Småland region. From this time began to talk about "Kingdom of Crystal".The founder of the new mills were often employed and glassblowers. In several cases, it is clear that farmers have invested capital in new companies, thereby creating a market for the forest that could be difficult to set aside otherwise than as a fuel in glassworks furnaces. That period was the period was worried and mills unstable evidenced by no less than 11 mill were laid down during the decade. The glassworks could easily be changed. The staff lived on crofts and small farms and were relatively easy to return to work in agriculture and forestry, when the furnaces were turned off. Mills smallness and archaic structure was often an advantage and strength in these turbulent times in the industry.
1880-1890
During the 1890s, built no less than 30 new glassworks, of whom 18 in intensive glassworks region called the "Kingdom of Crystal" in Småland. At the same time put it down 10 use. Funding was peasant capital. The majority of the workforce recruited locally, however, began again to import skilled workforce ex. engravers, glass painters and polishers. The number of workers barracks increased markedly during the 1890s. Living standard was low. All common, it was cut with the cut glass. Man made patterns with deeper cuts that will break the surface in a prominent way. Even the painted glass began to get a big market.1900-1920
1900s first decade marked a new era for glass manufacture. A number of new methods reached Sweden from the continent, primarily glass manufacturing. A significant overproduction occurred that resulted in the merger of various glassworks. It was built 36 new glassworks, 15glass kingdom, while 30 old glass factory was closed down. Use The buildings changed, labor barracks was reduced and replaced by residential homeowners with a higher standard. These had consistently large plots that could produce food, husgris and cow was not unusual. The glassworks began at this time to hire glass artists. These artists' work was limited to a small production of exclusive art glass. The normal household glass searched his model from abroad.1940-1960
The war years caused problems for glassworks, export market fell almost completely removed, while domestic demand grew.The first post-war years were characterized by a marked economic boom and rising global demand. By 1950, increased competition as Europe rebuilt. Between the years 1945-60 were built 15 new glassworks and 13 were closed.
Wood-burning stoves were replaced by oil and electric furnaces.
The artistic training intensified gradually, with each glassworks self-respecting stuck with graduates artists.
On the whole, changed the glass industry during this time. The big bulky workshops were organized for new designs and more functional lines. One can observe a more diverse dynamics in the Swedish art glass manufacture, a dynamic that would be even more noticeable during 1960-70's.
1960-1985
This was a period that was characterized by extremely numerous start-ups and closures. It started no less than 57 glassworks and 37 older Glassworks disappeared. The majority were studiohyttor establishments with few employees.1970s were characterized by transformation with a time of industry restructuring and mergers. The result was stable establishments and glassworks with improved competitiveness and rising profitability.