From July 13 to September 24, 2017, the Jan van der Togt Museum presented a retrospective exhibition of Bernard Heesen's work, entitled: "From Color Splendor to Trophy Cup - A Reflection."

Bernard Heesen is the most important and influential glassblower and artist in the Netherlands. Trained as an architect, Bernard was called upon by his father, Willem Heesen, to help out at the Oude Horn glassworks in Acquoy. He did so without any knowledge of glass or the craft of glassblowing. Unburdened by the baggage of traditional craftsmanship, he began his quest in glass, which continues to this day.

This major retrospective showcased highlights from the oeuvre of Bernard Heesen (1958). Early works were on display, such as the glass "Stones" and the film of an expedition to Mount Etna 30 years ago, in an attempt to blow bubbles from liquid lava. That moment prompted Heesen to definitively choose a career in art.

Of course, masterpieces from his series "Encyclopedic Gefröbel" were displayed with large blown arabesques and black mirrors, as well as his "Mold Vases."

Bernard Heesen himself provided visual commentary on his oeuvre by creating new blown glass works. He said: “The production is closely linked to the capabilities of that moment; in that sense, there is a clear line running through my oeuvre. It is interesting to investigate the extent to which the technique of creation has been decisive in the creation of the pieces.”

Loans were requested from various museums for the exhibition, including the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, the Nationaal Glasmuseum Leerdam, and the Rijksmuseum Twenthe, as well as from various private collections. During this exhibition, the new book, part IV of his life's work, the "encyclopedia of the glassblower," was presented.