The curious mind of Oiva Toikka
We’re celebrating the curiosity, creativity and joyful spirit of Oiva Toikka with the launch of our new collection of home textiles, tableware, art prints and more.
I´m not looking for perfection, I want it to be fun. – Oiva Toikka
Beloved Finnish designer Oiva Toikka was famous for his limitless imagination, playful designs and vibrant glass art. We honour the boundless creativity of the legendary artist with our new collection, The Curious Mind of Oiva Toikka.
Creative collaboration
Our historic collaboration with Toikka began when another Finnish design legend, Kaj Franck, appointed Toikka as the in-house designer at the Iittala Glass Factory in 1963. During his nearly six decades with us, Toikka created some of our most iconic collections including the world renowned Birds by Toikka.
Curiously creative
I don’t think it’s terribly important to play it safe. That has never been my thing – avoiding risks, trying to make it perfect. There are enough perfectionists around. – Oiva Toikka
Throughout his profound career, Toikka wasn’t afraid to deviate from the streamlined functionalism that characterised Nordic design in favour of colourful, artistic creations often inspired by nature.
Creatively curious
I trust in accidents and misunderstandings. – Oiva Toikka
From his bold glass art collections like Birds by Toikka to his modular art pieces like the colourful Lollipops, Toikka’s design was fueled by a sense of daring curiosity. It was by combining that curiosity with his creativity and love of technical experimentation that Toikka created a distinct body of work that wasn’t limited by artistic boundaries.
Curious discovery
I’ve always been on the borderline of good taste. I find it an entertaining neighbourhood. –Oiva Toikka
A few years ago, we came across three previously undiscovered boxes from when Toikka worked at the Iittala Glass Factory. Amongst the many wonderful drawings, there were patterns and sketches of pieces that we’ve never seen before.
After careful consideration with the Toikka family, it was decided that the world should see these new discoveries and celebrate the happiness that Toikka expressed in his designs. With The Curious Mind of Oiva Toikka, we bring these discoveries and Toikka’s joyful spirit to a new collection of home textiles, tableware, art prints and more.
Curious art
All of the new items are tied together by six distinct artworks by Toikka that form the patterns on each piece. Although each work of art is different, they all share a bold, graphic style with similar lines and detailing.
Cheetah: Inspired by a trip Toikka took to Africa with various layers and curious details.
Helle: Meaning “summer heat” in Finnish, Helle’s random, colourful dots form a pattern from a distance.
Pompom: The cheerful and peculiar pattern is actually from a sketch for one of Toikka’s famous glass art pieces and retains the same detailed elements as his glass art objects.
Birdie: A true character that captures the essence of Toikka’s famous birds with its own unique features and own unique story.
Birdhouse: The detailed pattern is like a page from Toikka’s sketchbook with dozens of birds varying in shapes and sizes.
All You Need: Toikka’s illustration with its bold lines and captivating expression instantly sparks your imagination.
Curious corners
I have always enjoyed myself. It’s especially important for me that other people enjoy themselves as well. – Oiva Toikka
In the spirit of Toikka, we want to celebrate how you express your own personal style by inviting you to share the curious corners of your home with #iittalacuriouscorners.
