Finnish-born Timo Sarpaneva (1926) was an influential sculptor, educator and designer who greatly contributed to Finland's reputation as the design hub of the world. His work with metals, woods, textiles, porcelain, and glass shows his impressive versatility. No matter the medium, Sarpaneva's designs are functional works of art, merging a modern aesthetic with a utilitarian philosophy. His career gained momentum in the 1950's when his cast iron casserole pot for iittala was featured on a Finnish postage stamp. Sarpaneva drew inspiration for the now iconic design from his grandfather who worked as a Blacksmith. The award-winning designer, who passed in 2016, also left his mark quite literally by designing iittala's now instantly recognizable "i" logo. His work remains on display in many museums around the world.
Timo Sarpaneva is renowned for his distinctive glassware work, as well as some of his porcelain, cast iron textile, and graphic art. Sarpaneva's designs have entered the homes of many people around the world. His innovative cast-iron cookware and porcelain dinnerware grants superior function and perpetuity. While his greatest glass ever, the Timo Tumblers, are great examples of how form follows function. Through Sarpaneva's designs he has convinced us all that even small everyday objects possess great architectonical qualities.
