Timo Sarpaneva

Professor Timo Sarpaneva (1926 - 2006) was one of Finland's most well known industrial designers and artists, renowned for his textile and glass products.

A designer, sculptor and educator, Sarpaneva’s pioneering glass work merged art with utilitarian design. Besides glass, he also worked with textiles, wood, porcelain and metal. Sarpaneva’s unique industrial design that helped to pioneer Finland’s global design reputation. Sarpaneva’s works are exhibited internationally. He has received much recognition throughout his illustrious career including the Lunning Prize and was twice awarded at the Milan Triennale. In 1976, Sarpaneva received the honorary title of Professor from the Finnish government.

Timo Sarpaneva was convinced that even small everyday objects can possess architectonical qualities. He collaborated during his whole career with Iittala, where he designed mostly glass products and tableware. His iconic cast-iron pot with wooden handle has been recognized as an international design icon, even the “i” in Iittala’s logo was designed by Timo.

He also created glass sculptures for Venini in Murano, Italy, and a number textile designs most notably for Kinnasand, but also for several renowned Finnish textile manufacturers like Tempella. Other distinguished works by Timo Sarpaneva include the extraordinary Suomi full-line dinner service for Rosenthal, and the famous Timo tumbler for Design House Stockholm in 1998.