Bertil Vallien Overview
Bertil Vallien is best known for his sand-cast glass sculptures; enigmatic forms often shaped like boats, heads, or tablets, embedded with symbolic imagery and rich in metaphor.
His iconic boat-shaped vessels, in particular, have become synonymous with his name. These haunting, meditative forms explore themes of journey, transition, isolation, and the subconscious. Often cast in layers of coloured glass with suspended objects, human silhouettes, or abstract markings, they evoke dreamlike narratives and spiritual introspection. No two are alike, and each tells a quiet, personal story that continues to intrigue collectors and curators around the globe.
Vallien’s work stands at the intersection of art, design, and storytelling, a rare and potent combination that gives his pieces timeless appeal. His mastery of sand-casting, a technique he helped popularise in contemporary glass art, allows him to create deeply textured, weighty forms that feel both ancient and futuristic. His work is represented in major museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Corning Museum of Glass, and Nationalmuseum Stockholm, and continues to be a cornerstone of serious modern glass collections.
We are actively inviting consignments of works by Bertil Vallien for our upcoming auctions specialising in Scandinavian design and contemporary studio glass. Whether you own a signed sculpture, a limited-edition cast, a unique Kosta Boda exhibition piece, or an early design from his formative years, we can offer you a complimentary valuation and personalised guidance through the selling process.
Vallien’s work commands international attention and regularly achieves strong results at auction, particularly pieces with distinctive iconography, large-scale casts, or those with provenance from exhibitions or gallery sales. If you are looking to sell, now is an excellent time to connect your piece with discerning collectors who recognise the lasting value of Vallien’s visionary artistry. Submit your piece today for expert appraisal and global exposure.
For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below.
Meet the Expert
James Spiridion
Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.
Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com