The Enigmatic Glass Art of Bertil Vallien

The Enigmatic Glass Art of Bertil Vallien

Specialist Otto Billstrom speaks to us about Bertil Vallien, a renowned artist in contemporary art glass, who has harnessed the ancient art of sand-casting glass to create a unique and distinctive body of work. In our upcoming October 31st sale, six distinctive idols, crafted using this technique, will be offered.

27 October 2023

VIEW AUCTION     REQUEST A VALUATION     CONTACT A SPECIALIST

 

Bertil Vallien, a renowned artist in contemporary art glass, has harnessed the ancient art of sand-casting glass to create a unique and distinctive body of work. While sand casting is often considered less refined than the blowing technique favoured by 20th-century glass masters, it has become Vallien's hallmark. Departing from Greco-Roman traditions, he adopted this method in the 1970s and, by a fortuitous accident, developed his signature black glass texture while striving for a darker cobalt blue shade.

 

In our upcoming October 31st sale, six distinctive idols, crafted using this technique, will be offered. These enigmatic figures deliberately lack distinct features, encouraging viewers to project their own identities onto them. Rooted in his upbringing in a religious household, Vallien's art serves as a meditation on existentialism, prompting us to contemplate our place in the world and the journeys of our lives.

 

 

 


 

Tuesday 31 October | 10am

design@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

 

VIEW AUCTION


 

 

 


 

Recent News

 

The Art of the Poster

Sworders proudly supports The Art of the Poster, a selling exhibition at The Curwen Print Study Centre featuring original lithographic posters by leading modern artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Chagall. Each purchase helps fund the Centre’s vital work in printmaking education and preservation.

8 October 2025

Celebrating Women Artists

On 25 September our London Gallery was proud to host a preview event for our autumn Modern & Contemporary Art auction, in partnership with The Fry Art Gallery. Acclaimed illustrator, painter, and printmaker Chloë Cheese provided a captivating talk that celebrated the achievements of women artists and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.

6 October 2025

Worth its weight in… glass?

As we approach our first edition of The Glass Sale, taking place later this month, let us guide you through the history and defining features of 18th century glass.

3 October 2025

 


 

Get Sworders News