Ultima Thule and the feel of material
The Ultima Thule carafe and the On the Rocks glass are from the Iittala collection, while the birch Jakkara 60 stool is from Artek.
THE YEAR 2015 marked one hundred years since the birth of Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985). Wirkkala is indisputably one of the masters of Finnish design: he knew his materials, and over his long career he planned postage stamps, glass items, and furniture.
The nature of Finland is present in Wirkkala’s oeuvre. Sometimes the source of inspiration is easy recognizable, and sometimes it is more poetic. Ultima Thule, dating from 1968, is one of his most beloved glassware lines. Melting ice and flowing water are seen at the bottom of the glasses, phenomena that are clear and accessible to all.
The Ultima Thule carafe, beer glass, On the Rocks glass and sparkling wine glass.
Ultima Thule crystallizes the distinct expressive power of Finnish glass.
Ultima Thule was a work commissioned by the Finnish airline Finnair, that wanted a glassware range for the new non-stop route from Helsinki to New York in 1969. Since then Ultima Thule has become one of Iittala’s most popular glassware ranges.
See also:
• Ultima Thule glassware >
• Tapio Wirkkala's designs >
Text: Mikko Vaija Images: Iittala and Suvi Kesäläinen
Published on 23 Oct, 2017
