A set of five coloured glass flasks – Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Finland 1955 - 1965

Nanny Still

Glass
34 cm, ø 6 cm
ConditionVery good
€ 2.500

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  A set of five coloured glass decorative flasks. Designed by Nanny Stillin 1959 and executed by Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Finland in the 1960’s. The set consists of beige, light petrol, dark petrol, grey-green and a dark ruby coloured flasks. Two with long necks and the rest with shorter necks. They are all signed underneath the base and one flask also bears a paper factory label.
  
  About Nanny Still
  Nanny Still (1926–2009) was a pioneering force in Finnish glass design, known for her bold use of color, elegant forms, and innovative techniques. Born in Helsinki in 1926, she studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, where her talent for glasswork quickly became evident.
  
  In 1949, Still joined the renowned Riihimäki Glassworks, where she became one of Finland’s leading designers of the postwar era. Her work stood out for its modern, streamlined aesthetic, often incorporating striking hues and intricate textures. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Still was unafraid to experiment with new manufacturing processes, which allowed her to push the boundaries of industrial glass production.
  
  One of her most celebrated series, the Harlekiini collection, exemplifies her mastery of color and form, blending rich jewel tones with delicate, geometric contours. Though best known for her glasswork, Still also designed ceramics and metalware, collaborating with international brands such as Rosenthal and Wärtsilä Arabia.
  
  In 1958, she moved to Belgium, where she continued her career as an independent designer, bringing a Scandinavian sensibility to European markets. Despite living abroad, her work remained deeply connected to Finnish design traditions, characterized by functionality, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for materiality.
  
  Still’s contributions to design earned her widespread recognition, including the Pro Finlandia medal and exhibitions worldwide. Her legacy endures in museums and private collections, her vibrant creations a testament to her relentless creativity and innovation.
  
  Marked
  Signed in diamondpen underneath the base: Riihimäen Lasi Oy Nanny Still. One flask also bears paper factory label.
  
  Execution
  Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Finland 1960's
  
  Condition
  All the flasks are in very good to good condition. No chips or cracks. The grey-green flask has a deeper scratch on the side (see detail picture).
  
  Dimensions
  Height 32-34,5 cm
  Diam 6 cm
• About the artist

  Nanny Still (1926–2009) was a rare phenomenon in the world of design: an artist who brought glass to life and made colour speak in an age of grey. With an unparalleled sense of aesthetics and experimentation, she became one of the most influential figures in the Finnish design tradition, and far beyond.

  Born in Helsinki in 1926, Still found her calling early on at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. Her talent for glasswork was immediately apparent: she combined technical mastery with a playful, almost musical approach to colour, form and light. In 1949 she joined the famous Riihimäki Glassworks, where she became one of the key figures of post-war Finnish design.

  What set her apart was her audacity. Where others opted for restraint, Still dared to experiment with bright colours, unusual shapes and innovative techniques. Her iconic Harlekiini series is proof of this: sparkling colour combinations captured in geometric, elegant designs that feel both industrial and poetic. Her work was modern, but never cold—always infused with warmth and a deep understanding of the material.

  Still did not limit herself to glass. She worked with ceramics, metal and porcelain, and designed for prestigious brands such as Rosenthal and Wärtsilä Arabia. In 1958 she moved to Belgium, where she enriched her Scandinavian design language with European influences. She worked as an independent designer, but always remained true to the principles of Finnish design: simplicity, functionality and respect for materials.

  Her oeuvre was recognised with numerous awards, including the prestigious Pro Finlandia medal, and her work was exhibited worldwide. But more important than the awards is the impact of her work: Nanny Still opened the door for female designers in a male-dominated industry, and proved that colour is not a frivolity, but a powerful design statement.

  Nanny Still was not a quiet force—she was a vibrant, experimental mind ahead of her time. Her glass lives, breathes, and tells stories. And in every reflection, her legacy glows: bold, colorful, and full of life.

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