GUNNEL NYMAN – The Art of Light

To the wider audience, the designer Gunnel Nyman has for long been portrayed as a kind of mysterious figure. The glass enthusiasts do know her well, and her designs have been coveted pieces for collecting. However, not many find a real, direct connection between the persona of Nyman and her art, which seems to be filled with light. Of course, I cannot say that I would have known her personally, as there is a long gap between her death and my birth. But for some peculiar reason, her works have always made me perceive her as a bit more interesting person than your average designer.

Gunnel Nyman
Gunnel Nyman archive

Gunnel Nyman, who originally graduated as a draftsman for furniture from the School of Applied Arts, turned to glass early on her career. She was guided in that direction by her teacher, Arttu Brummer, who probably noticed Nyman’s ability to easily connect line and material. Glass is definitely not a simple material but one that requires a careful eye and excellent finger dexterity. Furthermore, the designer must be genuinely interested in the making, the actual moment of creation, as the shape becomes visible through the hands of the blower.

Gunnel Nyman was all of that. Fearless and excited to experience, a person who was willing to listen to the glassblower, and always trying to make the craftsman see and understand her vision. The qualities of glass interested her and in the final pieces one can detect the light and shade seemingly easy, as well as different, sometimes even playful, elements; the paper streamer from the First of May celebrations, shape of a flower, string of pearls.

Gunnel Nyman Streamer
Photographer Timo Syrjänen

Gunnel Nyman String of Pearls
Photographer Timo Syrjänen

The Finnish Glass Museum’s summer 2020 exhibition presents works of Nyman and her close friend, Dora Jung. On display are not only vases with spike moulding or delightful streamers, but also rarities that have scarcely been seen in exhibitions - even some pieces that are completely unique.

As a head of the collection, I had the pleasure to do condition reports on the works, i.e. check the items for any defects, before the final display. I realised that part of the history of the Finnish art glass went through my hands, and I admit being more than impressed with all of the pieces. Those items by Nyman closest to myself are the different smoke cased glass items and the works where bubbles suddenly make a piece come to live. As I turn in my hands the vase decorated with a smoke case, I may see the light refracting from its surface. When I peek inside the bottle, I see the layers and the magical hue of the glass which seems to diffuse with the air around me.

Apart from Nyman’s glass art, in the exhibition you can admire Dora Jung’s tapestries. Presented are a set of works from the private collection of Tuomas Sopanen, opening up the mastery of Finnish craftsmanship and always a surprisingly modern, artistic approach. Jung’s skillful works, their serenity and elegance fit perfectly alongside the works of her good friend Gunnel.

Welcome to visit, we look forward to seeing you!

Text: Johanna Lindfors