Tapio Wirkkala

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a Finnish designer and sculptor, a major figure of post-war Finnish design. He significantly influenced the Finnish and Scandinavian design and crafts in the 50s and 60s. His creative portfolio includes glassware, stoneware, jewelry, and furniture for mass production or individual sculptures. To his most famous works belongs Finlandia vodka bottle design and Ultima Thule serie of kitchen glasses for Iittala He won many international prizes, for e.g. Lunning Prize 1951, the Grand Prix and Gold Medal, Milan 1960, the Honorary doctorate, Royal College of Arts, London 1971, the Prince Eugen Medal, Stockholm 1980.