Gjøvik Works (1807-1843)

Text Randi Gaustad

 

Gjøvik works was founded as a private initiative in 1807 by Caspar Kauffeldt. He stood as the factory's owner until it was closed down in 1843. The glass factory was his private property, but he was completely dependent on cooperating with the old glassworks, especially with regard to obtaining the necessary raw materials.

Skilled glassblowers moved from Hurdal to Gjøvik, but gradually the style changed from classicism to empire. Characteristic of wine glasses from Gjøvik is that they are low and a little understated. Some have square feet. Carafes were an important product and especially for Gjøvik was the Zirat bottle with applied decoration of glass rods, raspberries and leaves.

Gjøvik works is particularly known for its potpourri jars in compact blue glass, colored with cobalt from the Blåfarveverket at Modum.

When the Gjøvik plant was closed down, no drinking glasses were made in Norway until a modern, industrialized glassworks was started in 1852 in the old bottling plant on Hadeland.