Tapio Wirkkala
Candlesticks, model ‘TW189’, 1957 and model 'TW 202', 1959
Sterling silver
Edition Kultakeskus Oy
Finland
"Material always entails opportunities - it is as if it urges one to create something out of it."
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) is an important figure in modern Finish art. He was a reclusive man who valued his solitude, and drew much of his inspiration from nature. He was a multifaceted design genius, able to move fluidly through different mediums of expression such as sculpture, glass, furniture, product design, city planning, art, design, and even the creation of banknotes for the Finnish treasury. His works have been exhibited around the world, and he received numerous awards throughout his career including the Lunning Prize, the Pro Finlanda Medal, the Prince Eugen Medal and three gold medals at the Milan Triennale.