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Målerås Glassworks: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation

Since its founding in 1890, Målerås Glassworks has been a symbol of fine craftsmanship and artistic innovation. For over a century, skilled artisans have shaped glass into stunning creations, blending traditional techniques with modern design. Today, Målerås continues to push the boundaries of glass artistry, thanks to the collaboration between visionary designers, master glassblowers, painters, and engravers.

The Beginnings of Målerås Glassworks

Målerås Glassworks began in 1890, shortly after the railway extended into the region. Gustaf Holmqvist, a former clerk from Kosta, saw an opportunity and established a glassworks dedicated to producing window glass. He relocated the factory building from Johanstorp, a recently closed glassworks, purchasing it for SEK 1,000.

From the start, Målerås attracted talent from across Scandinavia, employing 20 workers, including skilled glassblowers from Norway and Finland. However, financial struggles hit early. After facing two bankruptcies by 1896, the glassworks pivoted to producing bottles and household glassware, continuing operations until 1904.

Growth and Resilience

By 1916, the need for a new facility became clear. Workers constructed a factory at the site where Målerås Glassworks still stands today, launching AB Strömsborgs Glassworks on December 29, 1916. However, disaster struck just months later when a fire destroyed the wooden structure on April 30, 1917. Determined to rebuild, the 80 employees constructed a new, two-story stone building—an uncommon design for glassworks at the time. That structure remains in use today.

Production resumed in November 1917, focusing on household glassware, decorative pieces, and bottles. Business flourished at first, but the economic depression of 1921-22 led to bankruptcy in 1922. In 1924, master glassblower Gustav Rosander stepped in to lead the company, renaming it AB Målerås Glassworks. Employees also gained part ownership, marking a turning point for the factory’s future.

Expansion and Challenges

As demand for Målerås glass grew, the factory expanded several times, including a major addition in 1935. More recently, in 2000, the glassworks opened a restaurant featuring a panoramic view of the hot shop, allowing visitors to watch artisans at work.

However, the Swedish glass industry faced tough times in the late 1960s and 1970s. In response, Målerås merged with four other glassworks in 1975 to form Krona-Bruken AB. Unfortunately, the venture collapsed by 1977. Later that year, Kosta Boda AB acquired Målerås Glassworks but agreed to continue producing designs by local artist Mats Jonasson.

A Community’s Determination to Save Målerås

Kosta Boda had no long-term plans for Målerås Glassworks and intended to close it. But the people of Målerås refused to let that happen. In 1981, 104 local residents invested SEK 1,000 each to save the glassworks. With additional support from the local government and a loan from the Swedish Ministry of Industry, Målerås Glassworks became an employee-owned company on April 1, 1981.

Under Mats Jonasson’s leadership, the company thrived. He gathered a team of talented artisans and introduced new techniques that set Målerås apart in Swedish glass history. The introduction of glass reliefs became a signature feature of the brand, turning the glassworks into a profitable and growing business. Since 1981, the workforce has expanded from 15 to 50, proving the long-term success of this community-driven effort.

Målerås Glassworks Today

Today, Målerås Glassworks stands as a testament to creativity, resilience, and world-class craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the factory, watch master artisans shape glass, and experience the timeless beauty of handcrafted pieces.

Whether you’re an art collector, a design enthusiast, or someone looking for unique home décor, Målerås Glassworks offers one-of-a-kind creations that blend tradition with innovation.

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Maleras – Baby Seal

Maleras – Baby Seal