Last Sunday we escaped the city for an afternoon and drove out into the Dutch countryside, to Acquoy, a tiny village tucked away in West Betuwe. Our destination: Glasblazerij De Oude Horn, the workshop of glass artists Bernard Heesen and Nienke Sikkema.
Among the pieces on display, the Addled Vase by Nienke Sikkema is a personal favourite of Susan's, it's been part of our collection for years now, and you'll find it in our stores and online (pick-up only).
The kind of slow, sun-warmed Sunday you don't want to end. We watched Bernard and his assistants at work, shaping molten glass with a focus that's mesmerising to witness. The colours of the finished pieces feel like they belong to another world entirely, and they create a magical contrast against their home: an old, dusty former steam pumping station, all rust and quiet history.
If this has piqued your curiosity, there are several more chances to see Bernard and Nienke at work and join an artist talk over the coming weeks, at Glasblazerij De Oude Horn and at Het Nationaal Glasmuseum:
Wednesday 5 August (Today!)
Thursday 17 September
Tuesday 13 October
13.30–14.30: Demonstration by Nienke Sikkema at Bernard Heesen's Glasblazerij De Oude Horn
15.00–15.30: Artist talk in the museum garden of Het Nationaal Glasmuseum
