Ulrica Hydman-Vallien

Ulrica Hydman Vallien (1938–2018) was a bold and beloved Swedish artist whose wildly expressive glasswork captured imaginations far beyond the world of fine art.

Gaining international recognition in the 1980s, Ulrica became famous for her signature visual language—vibrant, whimsical, and fiercely personal. Her work extended beyond the studio; she was one of 50 artists commissioned to decorate British Airways' aircraft in the 1990s.

A true multidisciplinary talent, Ulrica also worked in painting, ceramics, textiles, and illustration. Her best-known glass series, Open Minds and Caramba, launched in 1986, remain iconic collections associated with her name.

Her works are held in prestigious collections including Moderna Museet, Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and many more. Ulrica’s contribution to Kosta Boda, both as an artist and as a symbol of expressive freedom, is immeasurable.

Her passing in 2018 was sudden and deeply felt—but her legacy remains vividly alive through her bold, enduring art.