A first look at the Douglas Friedman and Lobmeyr glassware collection

Acclaimed photographer and Wallpaper* contributor Douglas Friedman has an eye for striking photos, and his latest venture into the world of glass production demonstrates a similar talent. After teaming up with Viennese master glassmakers at Lobmeyr, Friedman playfully drew inspiration from the American Wild West to present six glasses and one carafe with hand-painted illustrations and motifs.

The collection, available exclusively at Abask, combines an unlikely blend of centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary and playful Texas-inspired design – a rope of refined elegance and quirky charm that Friedman and Lobmeyr carefully and beautifully balance.

Douglas Friedman x Lobmeyr collection

The photographer, who lives in Marfa, West Texas, drew inspiration from the Friedman Ranch and tattoo art, telling Wallpaper*: “I always feel inspired when I’m there. It’s a place where I relax and have fun. I am constantly inspired by this area, from the vast cloud formations that create the view outside my window, to the area’s iconic motifs and emblems, which we have tongue-in-cheek adapted into this collection.

The illustrations feature many dynamic movements, from scorpions to horses and a cowboy with a friendly face. Throughout the design process, Lobmeyr’s Leonid and Louise Rath helped Friedman narrow down his choices. “I wouldn’t say there were challenges. It was quite a pleasant collaboration from start to finish,” Friedman said. “When I connected with Leonid Rath (sixth generation glass master) and Louise Rath (artist and illustrator) from Lobmeyr, I started creating motifs on a mood board and they selected those that would best suit hand painting on glass by their artisans. They have 200 years of experience in this, so I felt very safe in their hands.

With centuries of glassmaking behind it, it’s no surprise that Lobmeyr has been a leader in the world of hand-blown, cut, engraved and polished glassware since 1823. Lobmeyr was no stranger to collaboration, having worked with Thomas Edison to create the first electric chandelier in 1883.

With the new collection premiering at the peak of the upcoming entertainment season, Friedman is ready to stop by his ranch and welcome guests, saying, “(You can use the collection) all the time, every day. I’ll use mine for freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning, for bedside water in the evening, and for champagne and cocktails when guests come over. They fit very well for any occasion.

Working in a new medium, Friedman stated that it was “a similarly creative process of collaboration, imagination, and the pursuit of a beautiful final product”, and the entire collection proved that for both Friedman and Lobmeyr, this is not their first rodeo.