Marco Lopulalan

Van Tetterode Glass studio

Glassblower

©Marco Lopulalan

Vibrant glassware

Marco learned his craft from master blower Arie van Lopik
His Moluccan roots influence his designs
The Leerdam school is pivotal to his craft

Marco Lopulalan’s journey into glassmaking began with Royal Leerdam Crystal, learning the glassblowing craft according to the Leerdam School, taught by master blower Arie van Lopik. Up until 2019, Royal Leerdam Crystal was producing glass for the Dutch Royal Family. The designer Copier was the most popular at Leerdam, and to this day, Marco is the only glassblower who can reproduce Copier’s collection of work. He sees himself as a ’functional artist’ making objects he can reproduce. The secret to Marco’s success, according to him, lies in his ability to stay close to himself, staying open to sharing his knowledge and letting people into his beautiful world of glass. What he loves most about his craft is the glass itself, what it does and how it can be controlled.

Interview

©Marco Lopulalan

©Marco Lopulalan

How is your craft linked to your surroundings?: Many locals have worked at the glass factory in Leerdam, but only a few have become real ‘old school’ glassblowers. Currently, I am making a glass monument for the city of Leerdam to go in a park to be enjoyed by everyone.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: The Moluccan culture is very important to me as my father is Moluccan. Therefore, I sometimes incorporate the colours of the Moluccan flag into my work. To honour the old designers of Leerdam, I always use their techniques.
When did you start glassblowing?: My grandpa was a glassblower at Royal Leerdam Crystal, and my mother worked in the factory shop. I ended up working in the factory too, starting as a holiday job, but it turned out, I was very good at working with glass, so I wanted more.
What is a highlight from your professional life?: I was very lucky to have made the family glassware for our King and Queen. I was asked to make their glassware as a wedding present, which was a gift from all the Dutch people. I am also honoured to have met them, once at the factory, where they watched me work and at the palace.

Marco Lopulalan is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1995