Edvard Hald (1883-1980) Swedish Sculptor

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Edward Hald, born in Stockholm to a Norwegian father and a Swedish mother, initially embarked on a journey far removed from the world of art. Destined to inherit his father’s engineering business, Hald’s exposure to different cultures during his studies abroad ignited a deep-seated passion for the arts. His artistic inclinations led him to renowned centres of creativity like Copenhagen, Vienna, and Paris, culminating in a stint at Henri Matisse’s painting school. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for Hald’s unique artistic perspective, seamlessly blending Scandinavian sensibility with broader European influences.

Transition to Industrial Design

Despite his early successes in painting, Hald’s career took a significant turn towards industrial design post-marriage. Assisting his wife, Brita, a talented artist potter, in designing decorations for her pottery, Hald inadvertently began his journey in the realm of applied arts. His talent did not go unnoticed, leading to collaborations with Rörstrand pottery factory and, more notably, Orrefors glassworks. Though seen as unconventional at the time, this transition from fine art to industrial design marked the beginning of Hald’s profound impact on modernist glass art.

The Orrefors Era: Revolutionising Glass Art

Hald’s association with Orrefors, starting in 1917, was not just a job but a lifelong commitment. Teaming up with Simon Gate, another artist with no prior experience in glass, they embarked on a journey to redefine glass art. Their creations, characterized by colourless, highly refractive glass adorned with figurative and graphic compositions, were a testament to their unpretentious elegance. This period, stretching until the mid-1940s was Hald’s most creatively prolific era. His works showcased his artistic prowess and mirrored the modernist aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the progressive design philosophy of the time.

Overcoming Industrial Design Stigma

In a revealing radio interview with Jan-Erik Anderbjörk of Småland Museums, Hald candidly discussed artists’ challenges when venturing into industrial design. Perceived as a step down from fine art, this transition required artistic skill and the ability to collaborate effectively with craftsmen and industry professionals. Hald’s success in this realm was a testament to his ability to merge artistic vision with practical design, a quality that not only elevated his stature but also paved the way for future artists in industrial design.

Legacy and Influence

Edward Hald’s journey from a potential engineer to a celebrated artist and industrial designer is a narrative of breaking barriers and embracing multidisciplinary creativity. His work at Orrefors represents a crucial chapter in the history of modernist design, where art met function in a harmonious blend. As we reflect on his contributions, we recognize Hald as a designer of beautiful objects and a visionary bridging the gap between fine art and industrial design.

Design Objects

• Fireworks Bowl (1921) – engraved in the outside rim of the base
• Decanter (1948) – Long narrow neck, tear-shaped bowl, a plain foot, smoky amber tint.
• Bowl (1950) – Example of Graal technique. Together with Simon Gate, Edward Hald pioneered the Graal technique at Orrefors. The technique may be described as coloured glass with decoration between the layers. One or more layers of colour are drawn over a ‘stock’ of clear glass. After cooling, the glass is worked to give the desired decoration, in this case, a spiralling effect. The piece then received an outer sleeve of clear glass and was reheated and shaped into its final form.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (2022, March 12). Edward Hald. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:31, December 31, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_Hald&oldid=1076791069

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