Wik & Walsøe: A glass vase with a past

The story of Wik & Walsøe began on a garden bench in Fredrikstad, Norway, in 2006. A fitting beginning for a design studio inspired by the untamed Scandinavian nature. Re- specting and taking care of nature is at the core of the company’s founding philosophy.

Every product Wik & Walsøe makes is made to last. They are meant for every- day use and special occasions, from lazy weekend breakfasts to birthday celebra- tions. Wik & Walsøe’s aim is to create de- sign items, such as mugs and plates, that will be passed on to children and grand- children. Not only because of their qual- ity but because of the memories created while using them.

Wik & Walsøe finds inspiration Falla Recycled vases. in Scandinavian nature.

A mug is not just a mug. There is a story behind its design, behind what inspired it. Then the mug’s new owner adds their own stories. Later it is passed down to the next generation, adding their own stories. When founder and designer Lin- da Svedal Walsøe begins work on a new product, all of this is in the back of her head. But with her newest collection, she also managed to minimise the impact on nature even further.

“We believe in the potential of recycled glass, which can be reused indefinitely without losing quality,” Walsøe says. “In Wik & Walsøe we look ahead, and with the Falla Recycled vase we want to take care of our shared resources.”

Using recycled glass is another layer of stories added to the product. The glass used in a Falla Recycled vase has had oth- er lives before it became a Wik & Walsøe vase. It has been a part of other people’s lives and served other purposes.

The Falla Recycled vases are designed in Norway and made in Poland, where the recycled glass is from. “Falla Recycled vase is mouthblown into its elegant and unique shape,” says Walsøe. “The undu- lating movements provide an idiom that follows the rhythm of nature.”

Taking care

It is important for Wik & Walsøe to take care of nature and the things we surround ourselves with – it is the foundation of the company. But it is also vital to take care of those who make the products.

When Wik & Walsøe was founded, a choice was made to manufacture in a country where money for food on the table was not a given. In Bangladesh, around 60 highly skilled workers give each item its own unique story. They shared their knowledge and life experience, giving Wik & Walsøe a deeper understanding into the significance of taking care of both nature and workers.

Founder and designer Linda Sevdal Walsøe.

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