creatie

Andries Copier

Andries Copier (1901–1991) was only 13 when he began working at Leerdam Glass Factory alongside his father, Gijsbert Copier, who designed glassware decorations and headed the etching department. The family could make good use of the extra income. When his father was admitted to a tuberculosis clinic a year later, young Andries took charge of the department.

Copier’s talent did not go unnoticed. To his credit, Cochius, the theosophically minded and socially engaged director of Leerdam Glass Factory, invested in the young designer’s potential. Andries was sent to the School of Typography (Vakschool voor Typografie) in Utrecht and later the Academy of Fine Arts and Technical Sciences (Academie voor Kunsten en Technische Wetenschappen) in Rotterdam. The investment paid off handsomely for Cochius.

Around 1923, Copier designed his first glassware ranges for Leerdam. Initially, the factory focused on producing good-quality glassware for a wide market. Alongside this, it produced a line of unique pieces (unica) and series ware (serica) for more affluent customers. In both categories, Copier proved remarkably prolific.