Tapio Wirkkala (1915 – 1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, a major figure of post-war design. The range of his designs is immense including graphic design, glassware, knives and silverware to mention few. He worked long together with significant companies like Iittala, Rosenthal, Venini and Kultakeskus.
In 1946 he designed one of his most famous works, the Kantarelli (Chantarelle) vase for Iittala. For Iittala Wirkkala designed many art pieces, some of them were awarded in the 1950s at the Milan Triennial. Among his most popular works have been for example the Finlandia vodka bottle and Ultima Thule tableware. He is also famous for the glass series Tapio, Niva, Aslak and Gaissa for Iittala. Just to mention few.
He worked nearly 30 years for Rosenthal and designed several tablewares, like Finlandia for Thomas, Variation, Polygon, Assam, Tea for Two and Century. In Rosenthal collection there were hundreds of vases, dishes, gifts and other accessories when counting all the variations and decorations. The best known are the Paper bag vase (1977) and Pollo vase (1970).
We have a collection of original glass and porcelain pieces in store.
More about Anniversary programm and exhibitions
http://wirkkalabryk.fi/juhlavuosi/in-english/programme/
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