Companion Hope

Kosta Boda

Following the journey of glass from a syrupy, molten state to glittering crystal is a spectacular sight that takes place in the Kosta Boda hot shops every day.

The glassworks in Kosta was founded in 1742. The name was created from the surnames of the founders, Generals Koskull and Staël von Holstein. Kosta’s location, in the heart of the dense forests in the Swedish province of Småland, was chosen so that the glassworks could provide both Stockholm and Karlskrona with glass. Important roads crossed here, and there was also an unlimited supply of wood to heat the furnaces. 

At our glassworks in Kosta, our skilled glassworkers are joined by several of Sweden’s most prestigious designers in developing the design, craftsmanship and new techniques. A smaller part of our production has been produced at other renowned glassworks, mainly in Europe, since 2004. A few products are produced in Asia. At all glassworks, we use the same designers and in many cases the production techniques developed by ourselves in Småland, Sweden.

The first designer at the glassworks was Gunnar G:son Wennerberg, who joined the company in 1898. Many well-known artists have worked here since then, such as Sven X-et Ericsson and Ewald Dahlskog. The first female artist was Tyra Lundgren who was recruited in 1935. 

Early on, Kosta Boda' committed to "...develop the expressive power of glass, both artistically and technically," while ensuring that, "Swedish glass will always be elegant, exciting, and of superb quality in both craft and design."