Winterland Lena: A Scandinavian Scene, a glittering collection of new and limited edition pieces by Lena Bergström for Swedish crystal company Orrefors
, may be inspired by snow and ice but when it opened last week at London's Vessel gallery the reception was far from frosty.
see more of Lena Bergström's new collection for Orrefors
A festive table laden with designs in white and clear crystal looks like it might be made of ice and snow. But Bergström (who has exhibited three times at the gallery since she first met founder partners Nadia Demetriou Ladas and Angel Monzon in 1995) insists that she is not driven by romantic or nostalgic ideas of Christmas: 'I am inspired by the strength of the snow and ice,' she says. 'This collection has less to do with my memories of growing up in Sweden and stems more from my gut feelings about nature.'
Among the pieces on show is a 'cracked ice' version of the much loved and highly collectable 'Planet' series, which is run with thread-thin white veins. 'Frozen bubbles' are used to great effect in other pieces, such as the Light Stones (tealight holders) while a star detail on a set of cups give extra warmth to those seasonal servings of glüg. A favourite is the Santa Claus sculptures – at first glance seeming to be inverted icicles caught in the wind, their little faces appear only after a closer look.
Winterland Lena is also an opportunity to preview Orrefors’ first range of lighting, set to launch worldwide in February at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Prismi and Prismo and Bracelet are three mesmerising, statement chandeliers with a primal beauty.
Again eschewing all romantic associations, in this instance Bergström’s designs evolved from what she calls her 'punk rock phase'. 'I was thinking of the studs on leather belts,' she says of the giant crystal shards suspended within simple steel structures.
Also inspired by rock – though more of the mineral variety – are Bergström’s limited edition jewel-coloured vases: Luna, Nova and Vega. Constrasting with the monochrome iciness of the rest of the display the dramatic cut glass certainly has impact.
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