The Passion Behind Skansen’s Glassblowing Masterpieces
Step into a world where fire meets artistry and molten glass transforms into breathtaking creations before your eyes. At Skansen’s historic glass studio, Martin Ehrensvärd blends tradition and innovation, wielding tools like the precision Sievert torch to shape delicate masterpieces. Discover the passion, skill, and challenges behind the ancient craft of glassblowing in this captivating journey inside the studio.
The Art and Challenge of Glassblowing at Skansen: Martin’s Story
Step inside the glass studio at Skansen and you’ll find Martin Ehrensvärd at work; with his hands deftly shaping molten glass, his mind balancing creativity and precision. Martin’s journey with glass began as a teenager in California, where a high school art class sparked a lifelong fascination. Today, together with his wife, he runs the studio at Skansen, Stockholm’s historic open-air museum, continuing a craft that’s both ancient and ever-evolving.
A Passion Ignited
Martin’s first encounter with glassblowing was almost accidental. At 15, he chose a ceramics and glassblowing elective, quickly becoming captivated by the material’s unique qualities. “Glass is such an interesting material because, in my eyes, it’s impossible to make it look ugly” , Martin reflects. Whether clear or colored, large or small, glass always holds an inherent beauty. After high school, Martin traveled the world, apprenticing in renowned studios, before returning to teach and, eventually, moving home to Sweden to take over the Skansen studio.
The Dance with Fire
Glassblowing is as much a physical feat as it is an artistic one. The process begins with heating raw materials to over 1,300°C, transforming them into a glowing, viscous mass. Using a blowpipe, the glassblower gathers molten glass, shaping it by blowing air and manipulating it with specialized tools - jacks, tweezers, paddles, and more.
But glass is a demanding partner. “It’s always far too hot to touch when you’re working with it. It comes out of the oven at 1000°C and becomes rock solid at 500°C”, Martin explains. The glassblower must constantly turn the piece to counteract gravity, timing every move perfectly. “It’s almost like juggling a rock or wrestling an alligator” , he says, describing the physical challenge and the need for precision and quick reflexes.
Tools, Timing, and Technique
Modern glassblowing relies on three main furnaces: the melting oven, the reheating “glory hole,” and the annealer for slow cooling. But in the world of fine detail and advanced technique, the proper hand tools make all the difference. Among Martin’s favorites is the Sievert torch - a high-quality Swedish torch that sits on the bench right next to his other tools, ready for action.
The Sievert torch allows Martin to apply precision heat exactly where and when it’s needed, whether he’s flattening the base of a vessel or sculpting intricate arms on a glass figure.
Having the Sievert torch right at hand means I can grab it quickly and heat the glass at just the right moment, those few seconds can make or break your piece.
This level of control is essential for creating more complex and delicate forms, and it’s one of the modern advancements that sets today’s studio apart from traditional factories.
Timing is everything. “When you blow, the glass expands where it’s softest. If you can control where it becomes soft, you can control the shape much more”, Martin notes. The right tools, like the Sievert torch, enable the creation of both delicate wine glasses and bold artistic sculptures - pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in glass.
A Studio Open to All
Unlike traditional factories, Skansen’s studio invites visitors to witness the magic firsthand. Here, glassblowing is not just production -it’s performance and education. Guests can watch a piece take shape from start to finish, gaining a newfound appreciation for the skill involved. “Most glassblowers work somewhere remote and then bring their pieces into the city for someone else to sell. But because people come to us, they can watch us make something, get attached to it, and maybe want the piece they just saw being created”, Martin shares.
The Future of Handmade Glass
While machines now produce most everyday glassware, handmade glass remains the domain of artistry and exclusivity. “All really high-end glass is handmade because machines can’t make glass very thin or with very detailed or sophisticated colors yet”, Martin observes. Yet, the field faces challenges: rising energy costs, stricter safety regulations, and fewer young people learning the craft.
Despite these hurdles, Martin is optimistic. “We’re at a stage now where we’ll be fine, even if gas or energy prices go up or if regulations become stricter, because our business is doing well. But for newcomers, it’s much harder.” His hope is for more accessible equipment and opportunities for the next generation of glass artists.
Experience the Craft
Since 1933, Skansen’s glass studio has been a hub for handmade glass, offering workshops and demonstrations for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply curious, a visit to the studio offers a rare glimpse into a world where fire, skill, and imagination come together - one breathtaking piece at a time.
Discover more about Martin, Aleksandra and the living tradition of glassblowing at Skansen, where history and creativity shape every shimmering work of art.