ERIK HÖGLUND｜1932–1998｜SWEDEN
Erik Höglund was one of Sweden’s most influential artists and designers.
After studying sculpture at Konstfack in Stockholm, he began his career as a designer at Boda Glassworks in 1953, where he worked intensively for nearly two decades.
Drawing inspiration from various traditions and vernacular cultures, Höglund pursued forms that conveyed a strong sense of the human hand.
Bubbles, distortions, and irregularities—often regarded as flaws in glassmaking—were instead embraced as integral elements of expression.
Through this approach he transformed primitive qualities into modern design, opening new possibilities in glass art.
His unconventional style initially provoked both praise and criticism, but through unwavering dedication and tireless work he gradually earned widespread recognition.
In 1957 he received the Lunning Prize, the most prestigious award in Nordic design at the time, becoming the youngest recipient at the age of twenty-five.
The prize had previously been awarded to designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck and Timo Sarpaneva.
In the same year he also received a Silver Medal at the Milan Triennale, firmly establishing his international reputation and marking a turning point in his career.
His creative activities extended beyond glass.
From the early 1960s he produced works combining wrought iron and glass as well as objects in wood.
In 1968 he founded the design company “Backström & Höglund AB” together with Monica Backström, who was also a designer at Boda Glassworks and his partner at the time.
The company designed furniture, household products and various other objects.
Throughout his life Höglund also created paintings and bronze works, and undertook commissions such as church wall decorations, furnishings, interior design and public monuments.
A glass factory artist appearing in the film “My Life as a Dog” by Swedish director Lasse Hallström is said to be modeled after Erik Höglund.
In the film, the character reflects the period before Höglund gained widespread recognition.
