Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was one of Finland's leading designers and made a substantial contribution to Scandinavian mid-century modern design.
His work ranged across furniture, porcelain, glass, jewelry and tableware, and his approach to each was highly innovative. His particular talent lay in carrying organic form into industrially manufactured designs.
Biography
Born and raised in Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the National School of Applied Arts and began his career in graphic design. He was twenty-five when the Second World War broke out, and he soon entered service with the Finnish army.
After the war ended in 1945, he resumed his design career at the renowned glass manufacturer Iittala, where he went on creating innovative work until the end of his life.
Models and collaborations
The inlaid coffee tables he designed for Asko are a striking example of his method: a sculptural, elegant modern exterior that blends with simplicity and functionality.