Riihimäki Glass was a Finnish glass factory. The factory, established in 1810 for the production of domestic glassware, began production of window glass in 1919. It purchased various small factories, including the factory in which the Finnish Glass Museum is located today. After buying the Kaukalahti Glassworks in 1927, Riihimaki became the largest glass factory in Finland.
Craftmanship and Design
In 1928, they sponsored a glass design competition won by Henry Ericsson. In the mid-1930s, the factory was refitted and upgraded. In 1933 and 1936, sponsored competitions were entered by Alvar Aalto, Gunnel Nyman, Arttu Brummer, and others. During the late 1930s, they had expanded into medical and technical glass.
In 1941, the Kauklahti and Ryttyla glassworks merged with Riihimaen. After World War II, new designers included Helena Tynell and Nanny Still. In 1976, the factory was fully automated and discontinued blown-glass production.
Range of Glassware
It manufactured glassware and art glass for everyday use until 1976 and cut glass until 1977. It produced only glass and plastic packaging after that. In 1980, Ahlstrom Corporation bought the business and closed the Riihimäki plant in 1990.
International Recognition
Riihimäki Glass gained international recognition for its designs and participated in exhibitions and fairs worldwide. Their glassware was exported to many countries and is still sought after by collectors today.
Designers
Henry Ericsson, Arttu Brummer, Gunnel Nyman, and after 1945, Tamara Aladin, Greta-Lisa Jäderholm-Snellman, Aimo Okkolin, Sakari Pykälä, Timo Sarpaneva, Erkkitapio Siiroinen, Nanny Still and Helena Tynell were among the celebrated designers affiliated with Riihimäki in its early decades.
Sources
Bruun, M. B., & Outzen, S. (2020). Introduction. Scandinavian Glass: Aesthetic, Technological, and Cultural Connections between Neighboring Glass-Producing Countries. Journal of Glass Studies, 62, 163–166.
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
Encyclopedia of Glass Science, Technology, History, and Culture, 2 Volume Set. (2020). United Kingdom: Wiley.
Guides, I. (2017). Insight Guides Finland (Travel Guide EBook). United Kingdom: Apa Publications.
Koivisto, K. (2020). How Finnish Utility Glass Became Part of Scandinavian Design. Journal of Glass Studies, 62, 245–262.
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