Tapio Wirkkala defied the conventions of glassblowing with his iconic Ultima Thule collection. Inspired by ice and snow, Wirkkala spent nearly a thousand hours with the glassblowers at the Iittala Glass Factory to recreate this unique piece of Nordic nature. Now, the iconic Ultima Thule Old Fashioned glass and pitcher is available in a special edition colour: copper. The copper hue, inspired by the Northern Lights and sunsets, perfectly complements the icy and snowy feel of Ultima Thule. This special edition colour will be available throughout 2024 and 2025.
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a multitalented design genius, widely considered a leading figure of modern Finnish industrial art. Wirkkala’s wide ranging portfolio spans from glass, furniture and product design to sculpture, city planning, art, graphics and even creating banknotes for the Finnish treasury. As his reputation grew internationally, Wirkala exhibited throughout the world but he was a recluse by nature. His favorite place was a spot so remote within the deep woodlands of middle 
Finland that helicopters delivered prototypes to his hut since no car could reach him. It was in nature that he found his much loved solitude and the inspiration for forms that industry could produce or artwork could create. Throughout his incredibly productive career, Wirkkala received numerous awards including three gold medals at the Milan Triennale, the Lunning Prize, Pro Finlandia Medal and the Prince Eugen Medal.
More designs by Tapio Wirkkala:
The Ultima Thule shot glass celebrates Tapio Wirkkala’s 110th birthday
Special edition: available while supplies last, so act fast! The Ultima Thule shot glass celebrates …
The glass ice platter resembles a piece of melting ice floating on water designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1976
ICE FLOE The Ice Floe, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, is truly something amazing. It’s a …
Ultima Thule Old Fashioned glass and pitcher is available in a special edition colour: copper
Tapio Wirkkala defied the conventions of glassblowing with his iconic Ultima Thule collection. Inspired by …
Iittala expands The Ultima Thule collection with vases to celebrate its 55th Anniversary
In 2023, the Ultima Thule collection by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala celebrates its 55th anniversary. …
Tapio Wirkkala – Form 5/10 2022 – 6/10 2024 @ Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Tapio Wirkkala, Neliö (detail), 1950s. Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation Collection / EMMA © Ari …
Designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1972, the beloved Niva series is now back after a 30-year hiatus – Iittala
Niva glassware Multitalented designer Tapio Wirkkala had a unique skill of imitating the beauty of …
Still/Life – Tapio Wirkkala Retrospective Exhibition
The exhibition will celebrate Wirkkala’s long career in design and art. The exhibition also places …
Iittala honours Tapio Wirkkala’s centenary
2015 marks 100 years since the birth of Tapio Wirkkala. Wirkkala de-signed a significant proportion …
Tapio Wirkkala
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was one of the pioneers of Finnish industrial art who gained international …