Iittala (Iittala) is a Finnish company specializing in the design and production of luxury interior, kitchen, dining and decorative tableware, mainly glass, and the eponymous brand. Iittala is the subject of national pride of the Finns and one of the leading trademarks in Finnish design, widely known outside Finland. One of the leading companies of Scandinavian design . Today, the Iittala brand is owned by Fiskars.
Itittala | |
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Base | 1881 |
Location | Finland : Helsinki |
Key figures | Tero Vähäkylä (Tero Vähäkylä) |
Industry | light industry |
Products | glassware |
Site | www.iittala.fi |
Company History
The company has a long tradition of glass production. The first glass manufacturing plant was founded in 1881 in the town of Iittala near Tampere and from 1917 to 1950 it was known as the Karhula-Iittal Glass Factory ( Fin. Karhula-Iittala ). Glass pharmacy glassware was produced there at the very beginning, but in the first half of the 1930s, a turn was made towards the creation of an original design. Since that time, the company has created works that have become classics of Scandinavian design : Aino Aalto glasses (1932), the first glass birds and the Rosinki collection ( Fin. Kastehelmi ) Oiva Toykka , the Ultima Thule series of dishes by Tapio Virkkala and the famous vase "Savoy" ( fin. Savoy ) by Alvar Aalto (1936), which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Finnish design. It is made today, and its bizarre wave-like shape is reproduced in many other objects of applied design (candlesticks, trays, cutting boards). Over the years of its existence, its designers have received many prizes and awards both in Finland and around the world.
Design
The main design idea of the company is harmony outside of time and a specific historical style, although many of the company's collections embody the ideas of organic design, structuralism, bio-tech and laconic Scandinavian functionalism in various degrees. Examples of timeless and extra-stylish works are, for example, the Teema tableware collection ( Fin. Teema ), which was developed by Kai Frank in 1952, and the Sarpaneva cast-iron uatnitsa.
The Iittala collection also contains modern works that implement the idea of a classic timeless design, such as glasses for wine Essen ( fin. Essence ) (2001), candlesticks Kamen ( fin. Kivi ) by Heikki Orvola and Vitrina ( fin Vitriini ) Anu Penttinen. One of the latest examples is the Saryaton collection of kitchenware and kitchen accessories released in 2012 (Fin. Sarjaton ), which is a skillful combination of different materials - ceramics, glass, wood and textiles.
Production and sales
Today Iittala is part of the international concern Fiskars (fin. Fiskars ). Most of the company's products are manufactured in Finland in their factories in small batches. Part of the product is handcrafted (Aalto vases and Oiva Toykka birds). Aino Aalto glasses, the Rosinki series and the Kiwi candlesticks are produced mechanically. In Helsinki, a ceramic factory produces plates, dishes and sets. All Steel products at the plant in Sorsakoski . Fiskars has many partners and contract manufacturers (in Indonesia, Thailand, Germany, Italy and China). Textiles are also made in Lithuania and Portugal. Shops and dealerships are open worldwide.
Designers
- Göran Hongel (fin. Göran Hongell ) (1902–1973). A pioneer of Finnish glass design, Hongel became the first guest designer at Karhula-Iittal in 1940. He used a special technique and innovative color solutions. His work looks modest, but modern. His works include the Silko collection ( Fin. Silko , 1938), The Long Wave ( fin. Maininki , 1938), Luch ( Fin. Säde , 1939), Aarne ( Fin. Aarne , 1948), "Aulanko" ( fin. Aulanko , 1950).
- Aino Aalto (fin. Aino Aalto ) (1894–1949). Designer of wide profile, who achieved success in building design, furniture design, interior design and textiles. Aino Aalto came up with compact and modest glass items for Iittal. Being married to Alvar Aalto, Aino often worked closely with him. She developed the design of the popular Aalto glasses (Fin. Aalto , 1933).
- Alvar Aalto (fin. Alvar Aalto ) (1898–1976). The master of modern design, an outstanding architect who designed concert halls, libraries, museums and hospitals. Alvar Aalto - in collaboration with his wife Aino - created several unique and unique art objects of everyday design. Works: Savoy Vase (1936).
- Tapio Wirkkala (Fin. Tapio Wirkkala ) (1915–1985). Graphic designer, developer of the appearance of Finnish banknotes, who also worked with furniture and jewelry. Tapio Virkkala designed about 400 design objects. During his career, he developed many new techniques for working with different materials. Works: Chanterelle Vases ( Fin. Kantarelli , 1951), glass series Ultima Thule ( Ultima Thule , 1968).
- Cai Franck (Fin. Kaj Franck ) (1911–1989). The motto of his laconic approach to design was "leave only the necessary." Works: “Theme” service ( fin. Teema ), “Cartio” glasses ( fin. Kartio ).
- Alfredo Heberly (fin. Alfredo Häberli ) (1964). Argentine-born designer from Zurich, combining tradition and innovation, joy and energy in his works. Works: Essence ( Essence , 2001), Senta (fin. Senta , 2003)
- Heikki Orvola (fin. Heikki Orvola ) (1943). One of the most important figures of Finnish design, works with glass, ceramics, cast iron and textiles. In 1998, he received the prestigious Kai Frank Award. Works: Aurora (1972), Stone ( Fin. Kivi , 1987), glass Verna (1998), Korento (2011).
- Timo Sarpaneva (fin. Timo Sarpaneva ) (1926–2006). The master, who was able to work with such different materials as glass, porcelain, cast iron, graphics and textiles. In 1956, he developed the Iittaly logo - the letter “i” in a red circle. Works: Orchid (Fin. Orkidea , 1954), Seagull (Fin. Tsaikka , 1957), Sarpaneva personal collection (Fin. Sarpaneva , 1960).
- Oiva Toikka (fin. Oiva Toikka ) (1931). One of the most prominent figures in the history of glassblowing design, Oiva Toykka is especially known for its collection of glass birds and the Rosinki series. His work is characterized by bold fantasy silhouettes and a streamlined shape. Works: Rosinki ( Fin. Kastehelmi , 1964), Birds ( Fin. Linnut , 1971). Prizes and awards: The Lunning Prize (1970), the Kai Frank Prize (1992).
Gallery
Pig-iron ducklings Timo Sarpaneva (1960) | Candlestick blue glass "Button" ( Nappi ) | Candlesticks "Sarpaneva" (1966) | Candlestick "Stone" ( Kivi , 1988) | Glass of Aino Aalto (1933) |