Glass wares by Riihimaen Lasi Oy, Finland

Riihimäen Lasi Oy is a Finnish glass manufacturer that played a significant role in the Finnish glass industry during the 20th century. The company was founded in 1910 in Riihimäki, Finland. The company was initially known as Riihimäen Lasi- ja Posliinitehdas Osakeyhtiö (Riihimäki Glass and Porcelain Factory Ltd.). It started its operations by producing both glass and porcelain items.

In the early years, Riihimäen Lasi Oy focused mainly on producing tableware and household glassware. The company built a reputation for its high-quality glass products, combining functional design with artistic elements. Notable Finnish designers, such as Gunnel Nyman and Helena Tynell, collaborated with Riihimäen Lasi and contributed to its success.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Riihimäen Lasi Oy experienced significant growth and expanded its production capabilities. The company embraced new glassmaking techniques and introduced innovative designs to meet the evolving demands of the market. They experimented with various glass colors, more... textures, and decorative elements.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a period of great success and recognition for Riihimäen Lasi Oy. The company gained international acclaim for its modern and innovative designs, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and bold colors. Several iconic glassware series were created during this time, such as the "Kehra" and "Kivi" collections.

Riihimäen Lasi Oy collaborated with numerous renowned Finnish glass designers, contributing to the company's creative output. In addition to Gunnel Nyman and Helena Tynell, other notable designers who worked with Riihimäen Lasi Oy include Nanny Still, Tamara Aladin, and Erkkitapio Siiroinen. Their contributions helped shape the unique aesthetic of Riihimäen Lasi Oy's glassware.

Despite its success, Riihimäen Lasi Oy faced challenges in the 1980s due to changes in consumer tastes and increasing competition. The company experienced financial difficulties and went through several ownership changes. In 1990, Riihimäen Lasi Oy finally closed its doors, marking the end of an era for Finnish glassmaking. The Finnish Glass Museum is located in the former Riihimaen Lasi Oy factory, and the museum's collection includes a large number of the company's art glass objects. less...