Kosta and Kosta Boda
Back in the
18th century many new glassworks sprang up in the forested areas of southern Sweden. One of these was
founded by two generals, Koskull and Stael von Holstein, who used the first letters of their names to form
the company's name, Kosta, the oldest of the great Swedish glass factories.
Early work was mainly focused on window glass, domestic glass, bottles and chandeliers. Glassblowers often
left to form their own companies,
one of these being Boda.
companies,
one of these being Boda.At Kosta cut glass and engraved glass followed later and in the second quarter of the 20th century, Kosta's
place in the world of Art Glass was firmly established when talented designers turned around the fortunes of
the company.
In 1950
Vicke Lindstrand joined the company and a new era began. His designs were organic and stylish, fitting in
well with the mid-century Scandinavian ethos. Much of Kosta glass, like that of Orrefors and other
Scandinavian companies, is thick-walled single-colour or clear and this style was copied throughout the
world. Often bubbles and stripes were used but generally in a restrained way, form always being of the most
importance.Other great designers worked for Kosta and the Afors group, including Ernest Gordon, Mona Morales-Schildt,
Ann and Goran Warff and Bertil Vallien and his wife Ulrika Hydman-Vallien.
In 1964 Kosta, Boda and Afors merged and in 1990 again merged with Orrefors to become Orrefors Kosta Boda.