Early Life and Career

Backhaus Brown is a renowned glass artist duo consisting of Danish-born Nanna Backhaus Brown and British-born Andrew Jason Brown. Both artists began their careers in glassblowing in the mid-1980s. Nanna Backhaus Brown served her apprenticeship at Arresø Glashytte in North Zealand, Denmark, while Andrew Brown started his glassblowing journey at the Stourbridge School of Glass in England.

The pair met in Brittany, France, where they worked at l’Atelier de Verre in St. Meloir. After several years of honing their skills, they moved to Denmark and established their first glassblowing studio and shop, “Glassmedjen,” in Kregme, Frederiksværk, in 1993. This studio operated successfully for 14 years before they fulfilled their dream of designing and building a new studio by the sea. In 2008, they opened the doors to “Backhaus Brown” in Hundested Harbour.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Backhaus Brown is known for their modern Scandinavian design, which incorporates traditional glass forming techniques with a special emphasis on classical Italian techniques such as Pastorelli and Battuto. Nanna Backhaus Brown’s work is characterized by striking colors and clean, architectural shapes, reflecting her background in minimalistic Nordic design. Andrew Brown, on the other hand, specializes in the Battuto grinding technique, which involves intricate engraving reminiscent of hand-hewn planks used in historic Viking ships.

Collaborations and Notable Works

One of the most significant collaborations for Backhaus Brown has been with the Danish wood artists and cabinet makers, Egeværk. Together, they created the “Glasskibe” series, which are Viking ship sculptures made from hand-blown and cut glass combined with meticulously crafted oak keels. This collaboration drew inspiration from their shared passion for boats and the Viking history of North Zealand. The process of creating these ships is painstaking and involves multiple stages of blowing, sculpting, and carving the glass, followed by the precise crafting of the wooden parts.

Exhibitions and Collections

Backhaus Brown’s artworks have been exhibited across Europe and the USA. Their “Glasskibe” series has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the Vikingskipshuset (Viking Ship Museum) in Oslo and the Imagine Museum in Florida. These works have also been featured in global sports events such as the Danish Pavilion for the 2016 Olympics in Rio and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Awards and Recognition

The duo has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. Their innovative and intricate glass artworks have garnered attention from both private collectors and public institutions. The collaboration with Egeværk has been particularly celebrated for its unique fusion of glass and wood, earning them a distinguished place in the contemporary art world.

Current Studio and Legacy

Today, Backhaus Brown operates their glassblowing studio, gallery, and shop in Hundested Harbour, covering 540 square meters with stunning views over the sea. They continue to create and sell their art to individuals, companies, and galleries worldwide. Their work remains a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the seamless blending of different artistic traditions.

Backhaus Brown’s legacy is marked by their commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass art, their collaborative spirit, and their ability to infuse historical elements with contemporary design. Their contributions to the field of glass art continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.