Glass from de Oude Horn

Bernard Heesen

Within glass art, Bernard Heesen is considered an innovator who during the manufacturing process, when the glass is hot and liquid, likes to let chance contribute to the final result. ‘My artwork clearly shows the movement in the glass.’ He is one of the few glass artists who designs and executes his own work. He became famous, among other things, for his glass 'stones' and his pronounced series of Encyclopaedic creations.

De Oude Horn – generations in glass

In the De Oude Horn glassblowing studio in Acquoy, Bernard Heesen learned the craft of glassblowing from his famous father, Willem Heesen. Teaching the glass craft is a matter of great importance to Bernard Heesen. He for instance trained his assistants Nienke Sikkema and Josja Schepman to become independent glassblowers who mastered the craft in his workshop and developed their very own vision of glass art. This makes De Oude Horn one of the few places in the Netherlands where glass art is kept alive.

In addition to showcasing masterpieces from Heesen's oeuvre, Museum JAN displays recent, previously unexhibited work from all 3 artists.