Operated by the Calgary Contemporary Arts Society

Fragile But Strong & Glass-Art-Function
October 12 - November 17, 2000

Home
Current Exhibit
Future Exhibits
Past Exhibits

Introduction

Functionalism and Beyond
Contemporary Glass and Ceramics of Finland

Fragile But Strong
Works by Brita Flander and Elina Sorainen

Glass-Art-Function
Post-Modernist Glass of Finland

Iittala Glass
Alvar Aalto
Aino Aalto
Tapio Wirkkala
Timo Sarpaneva
Kaj Franck
Markku Salo
Harri Koskinen

GLASS - ART - FUNCTION
POST-MODERNIST GLASS OF FINLAND

Iittala Glass

Finland has had over sixty glassworks established in a long history but only three, Nuutajarvi (now Arabia Glass), Iittala and Riihimaki have stayed the course. Iittala was founded in 1881 and there are still those living in the Hame countryside who just recall the electric generators and electric light being installed in the cutting shops and offices of 1895. With an early concern for technical and economic progress, Iittala began to train the local people as glassmakers. However, the difficulties of the First World War - particularly the shortage of materials - caused the manager, Claes Norstedt, to sell out to Karhula Oy in 1917. This company, part of A. Ahlstrom Oy, initiated a period of great modernization. Mechanically made glass was concentrated at Karhula and Iittala specialized in blown glass.

With early designs from Goran Hongell, Alvar Aalto and Gunnel Nyman, the firm steadily increased its range and production. Its liaison with the leading contemporary Finnish designers, Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva, and its continued success in exhibitions such as the Milan Triennales and Expos has done much to ensure international recognition for Finnish glass.

Although each piece of Iittala glass strongly reflects the personal creativity of its designer - fine minimalist form, practicality and outstanding quality are the hallmarks of all Iittala products. Iittala's design language has its roots in Finland's cultural heritage, and in the impact of nature and changing seasons. As the 20th century draws to a close Iittala products increasingly represent timelessness. These great glass designs have stood the test of time and weathered the changing trends.