Cornelius Réer

Glassblower

Clarity and colour for function and form

Cornelius works in small series as repetition allows him to deepen creative insights
His designs are influenced by his love of cooking
Carefully balanced colour palettes define his artistic signature

It was a combination of influences that led Cornelius Réer to glassblowing. A childhood fascination with fire, an early encounter with the Studio Glass movement in his hometown of Coburg, and a persistent longing to live a life led by creativity, adventure and a sense of meaning, these are the elements that converged. From his apprenticeship at Süssmuth Glashütte, grounded in Bauhaus concepts, Cornelius ventured to Sweden to work with a glass artist, before refining his craft at a glass school in the UK. He remains deeply influenced by Bauhaus ideals and Scandinavian minimalism. His designs fuse function and form, particularly in his creations for the table, where his love for cooking and daily rituals is expressed in a pure yet poetic way. "My work often evolves through small series, in which repetition leads me to insights and each creation informs the next," he shares. Refining colour hues and harmonies has become an ongoing exploration that defines his aesthetic.

Interview

What place does function have in your designs?: Function is crucial to me, and objects that do not work feel intrusive, even disrespectful. Creating things that function beautifully gives my life a deeper sense of meaning. That said, I sometimes intentionally set function aside in my work to focus purely on an object’s form and colour.
What were your first steps into working independently?: At the start, I had no fixed studio – I relied on shared workshops and other people’s furnaces. The big change came in 2004, when I managed to buy a full furnace system in Denmark. In 2008, I moved my studio to Nuremberg, which has been my base ever since.
What life lessons has your craft taught you?: Where do I even begin? My craft keeps teaching me that no challenge is too big to overcome. It also reminds me daily how vital strong relationships and a supportive community are. Trusting in galleries, dealers, and a solid team at the furnace has been essential to everything I do.
Do you take on apprentices?: I do not run an official apprenticeship programme, but I regularly take on assistants with experience. Most stay for a couple of years before heading off to pursue their own paths and it is always rewarding to see where they go next. I feel fortunate to keep finding such great collaborators.

Cornelius Réer is a master artisan: he began his career in 1989 and he started teaching in 2017