Our October Art Glass sale features an exceptional selection of art glass made by the renowned artist Robert Held.

Held was born in Santa Ana, California, and received an MFA from the University of California. Upon graduating, he was offered a position as Head of Ceramics at Sheridan College’s School of Design in Ontario. After discovering a love of glassblowing, Held launched Canada’s first college-level hot glass program in 1969. This program opened the door for many skilled Canadian glass artists and led to Robert Held being recognized as a pioneer of art glass in Canada.

Eventually, Held left his teaching role and, in 1978, opened his first glass studio, known as Skookum Art Glass Inc., based in Calgary. He operated there until 1987, when he moved to Vancouver and began working under his new studio, Robert Held Art Glass. Early pieces are signed “Skookum,” while pieces from the Vancouver studio are typically signed “RHAG.” Some of his works are inspired by the paintings of famous artists, such as Monet and Klimt, while others take inspiration from photographers or even interior designers. Robert Held’s collections range in style from classic to contemporary, and his work is exhibited internationally.