Nuutajärvi Notsjö

Nuutajärvi Notsjö is a remarkable glassworks with a long history that was established over 200 years ago in the peaceful Urjala district of Finland. Like many early glassworks, the focus was on creating functional glass objects, such as windows and bottles.

In 1849 the famous industrialist Adolf Törngren inherited the glassworks and took over operations. Törngren was convinced that Nuutajärvi could make an internationally recognised name for itself and travelled to Central Europe so that he could observe the latest technology in glass production. After his return, he modernised and expanded the factory by introducing new furnaces, a grinding shop and even implemented the first pressed glass production in Finland. A new skilled workforce from abroad was also hired, including master glassblowers. By the 1860s, the modest factory had grown into Finland’s leading glassworks and also began exporting to other countries.

Fast forward to the early 1930s, and roughly 100 staff were now employed. It was during this period the privately owned business became an incorporated company and notably when some of the most innovative and talented designers emerged as pioneers of the Modern art glass movement. Gunnel Nyman, Saara Hopea and Kaj Franck, who was artistic director from 1950 – 1973, were all designers that boldly shaped Finnish design history and received international acclaim for their work. The legacy that designers like Nyman and Hopea have left, is a fantastic celebration of the emergence of female designers in the 20th century. A lot of the work from this period has become highly valued for its minimal but incredibly sophisticated design.

Photo is of Gunnel Nyman from the Gunnel Nyman Archive, Suomen Lasi Museo.