Carl Fagerlund (1915–2011) was born in Kalmar, Sweden, where his early interest in art and design would shape a lifelong career in lighting. He studied at the Higher Art Industrial School in Stockholm, graduating in 1943. Following his studies, he worked briefly as a drawing teacher at Solbacka Läroverk before joining ASEA in Stockholm as a lighting architect.
In 1946, Fagerlund began a defining chapter of his career at Orrefors Glassworks, where he became one of the leading figures in Scandinavian lighting design. His work was distinguished by a refined balance of sculptural expression, technical innovation, and atmospheric light. He designed major lighting installations for prestigious public and cultural institutions, including Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde in Stockholm, Frederiksberg Town Hall in Denmark, the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo, Hotel d’Angleterre and Hotel Mercur in Copenhagen, General Motors’ headquarters in the United States, and Möllevången Church in Malmö.
Alongside these large-scale commissions, Fagerlund created a wide range of ceiling and table lamps for domestic interiors. These designs were widely exhibited in major design capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, and were celebrated for their clarity of form and sophisticated use of glass and light. His achievements were formally recognized in 1957, when he was awarded a silver medal at the 11th Milan Triennale.
Beyond his professional life, Fagerlund came from a notable Swedish family. His father was county assessor Carl Fagerlund, and his grandfather, Adolph Fagerlund, served as governor of Kalmar County. He was also a member of the Swedish Masonic Order. Fagerlund married Ingrid Collenberg in 1944, with whom he had two children, and later married Anna-Lisa Dahl in 1961.
Today, Carl Fagerlund is remembered as one of the most influential lighting designers associated with Orrefors. His work continues to illuminate interiors worldwide, embodying the elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation of mid-century Scandinavian design.
