Sybren Valkema  Sybren Valkema (1916–1996) was a Dutch glass artist and teacher, and founder of the European Studio Glass Movement, also known as VRIJ GLAS (Free Glass). Sybren Valkema was raised in an anthroposophic, artistic and politically left-wing environment, his parents were both cultural and socially engaged. His decision to teach was made early, and he was trained at modern educational institutions. After receiving his teaching certificate, Valkema studied at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague to become a drawing teacher. Several years later he took over from Paul Schuitema in the department of advertising design evening classes (The Sybren Valkema Archive and The Netherlands Institute for Art History). In 1943 he became drawing instructor for the introductory year at IvKNO, Instituut voor Kunstnijverheidsonderwijs (later renamed Gerrit Rietveld Academie), where the director, architect Mart Stam, strived for a progressive higher education for industrial design in the spirit of 'Bauhaus'. That same year, A.D. Copier brought him to Leerdam to become the instructor in 'aesthetic design' for the newly set-up courses at the Leerdam Glass School. It was at this point that Valkema began following the twin path which would influence him, and many others, throughout his career. Yet, during the war, and due to the German occupation, living and working conditions deteriorated; in 1944 classes were suspended. Following the liberation in 1945, Valkema received an appointment in Amsterdam as lecturer in pattern design for the departement of textile, weaving & fashion. His first designs were included in an exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in 1946; in that year he also became lecturer in composition and design studies at the IvKNO department of ceramics in Amsterdam. In the summer of 1945, classes resumed at Leerdam: Valkema was a highly appreciated teacher and an important cultural influence on his students (decorators, designers, glassmakers). Here he gradually developed into a designer himself, making his own contributions to product innovation. In the early 1950s Sybren Valkema received his first royalty contract and a greater opportunity to work with the 'masters' in the glass factory. Valkema's well-known set of table glass from that period include Compact, Palma and Penta. He also took part in the 'Leerdam' contributions to an increasing number of international exhibitions - including the 'Expo 58' World Fair in Brussels, where the entire Leerdam pavilion was awarded the 'Grand Prix'.