Per Lütken

Per Lütken was a Danish designer and glass craftsman who made a significant contribution to the field of glass art. He was born on November 10, 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lütken studied painting and art at the Jens Møller-Jensen Business School from 1932 to 1938. He began his career as a painter, but his interest in glassmaking led him to join the Holmegaard Glassworks in 1942.

At Holmegaard, Lütken worked as an artistic director and quickly established himself as a leading designer in the glass industry. He was responsible for introducing a range of innovative techniques and designs that transformed the industry. Lütken's designs were characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and functionality. He created more than 3,000 different kinds of glass, ranging from decorative items to practical household objects.

Lütken was particularly interested in exploring new techniques for creating glass objects without the use of molds. He developed a range of techniques, including the "self-inflated technique" and the stick-blowing technique. The self-inflated technique involves using steam to inflate the glass bowl, while the stick-blowing technique involves blowing glass directly into a wet clay mold.

Lütken's designs were also known for their use of colored residual glass and marble effects, which gave his creations a unique and distinctive appearance. Some of his most popular series include "Gyldenholm," "Copenhagen," "Clausholm," and "Atlantic."

In addition to his work as a designer, Lütken was also a skilled craftsman who had a deep respect for the craft of glassmaking. He believed that the process of making glass was just as important as the finished product and worked closely with the craftsmen at Holmegaard to ensure that his designs were executed to the highest standards.

Lütken's work was widely recognized and exhibited in museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Eckersberg Medal in 1955 and the Prince Eugen Medal in 1978.

Lütken remained at Holmegaard until his death on February 10, 1998, and his legacy continues to inspire glass artists and designers around the world. His designs are highly sought after by collectors and continue to be produced by Holmegaard today. Per Lütken is considered one of Denmark's greatest glass designers, and his contribution to the field of glass art has left an indelible mark on the industry.