The work of Finnish interior architect and furniture designer Yrjö Kukkapuro will get a new home as part of the Artek Collection.
The partnership gives Kukkapuro’s furniture an even broader global distribution network, and the solid support of Artek’s marketing.
The first goal of the collaboration between Artek and Kukkapuro is to re-launch the internationally acclaimed Karuselli chair and ottoman designed by Kukkapuro in 1964.
Artek CEO Mirkku Kullberg said: “Artek is the perfect company for Yrjö Kukkapuro’s iconic design. We have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that Yrjö Kukkapuro has a partner worthy of his expertise and talent. We are particularly pleased with the smooth launch of the partnership, and we are certain Yrjö Kukkapuro’s furniture is a complement to our portfolio of products by Alvar Aalto, Ilmari Tapiovaara and Artek Studio.”
Yrjö Kukkapuro in his ateljé. Photo: Veikko Kähkönen
Karuselli
Karuselli is one of the most famous lounge chairs internationally. Kukkapuro developed the fibreglass chair from the 1950s up to 1964, when Karuselli finally received its famous shape. The international launch of the chair was at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1965.
The form of Karuselli was the result of extensive experimentation. Kukkapuro spent four years sculpting the chair – searching for the right dimensions, and initially using himself as yardstick. That the chair is ergonomically based on the shape and proportions of the body makes Karuselli particularly comfortable. The final result also demonstrates how the choice of material was dictated by form and function, whilst also respecting the material’s intrinsic properties.
Yrjö Kukkapuro
Born in Viipuri in 1933, Yrjö Kukkapuro is one of the internationally most prestigious and successful Finnish designers. He graduated as interior architect from the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki in 1958, and founded his own design office, Studio Kukkapuro, in 1959. A renowned award-winning designer, Kukkapuro worked as a teacher, professor and rector from the 1960s to the 1990s. He has work in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art MoMA in New York, Victoria & Albert in London, Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg, National Museum of Art in Stockholm, and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Kukkapuro has exhibited his work in dozens of solo and group shows across the world.
Yrjö Kukkapuro lives and works in Kauniainen with his wife, graphic artist Irmeli Kukkapuro.
Artek
In the spirit of its radical founders, Artek remains in the vanguard in the search for future paths within and between the disciplines of design, architecture and art.
Artek has been a forerunner of conscientious design thinking since 1935. The cornerstones of the company’s strategy are ethics, aesthetics and ecology. In Artek, this translates into high quality, timeless icons and tomorrow’s archetypes of humane design. The core of the Artek’s product range consists of furniture and lighting pieces by Alvar Aalto and the furniture collection designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. With its current portfolio strategy, Artek is extending the range of its collections to respond to ever growing demand.
More designs by Yrjö Kukkapuro:
Blond x Yrjö Kukkapuro: The YK100 Series Debut at Salone del Mobile Milano
The YK100 lighting series, designed by Finnish modernist Yrjö Kukkapuro (1931-2025) and produced by Blond, …
The Finnish design world has lost one of its most significant influencers, professor Yrjö Kukkapuro
Yrjö Kukkapuro (1931-2025) The Finnish design world has lost one of its most significant influencers, …
Today, we’re reintroducing the Experiment Chair by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro – Hem
Today, we’re reintroducing the Experiment Chair by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro Timeless, bold, and as …
Yrjö Kukkapuro – Magic Room, an exhibition pairs Kukkapuro’s iconic work with his greatest enduring source of inspiration – art
The Magic Room exhibition presents the colourful, imaginative and experimental oeuvre of a designer who …
YK100 Luminaire System by Yrjö Kukkapuro – Blond
Yrjö Kukkapuro is one of Finland’s most internationally known and award-winning furniture designers and one …
Travel as a tool @ Vandalorum
27 March – 19 September is a joint Nordic exhibition that considers the significance of …
New Moomin Furniture celebrates the 75th anniversary of beloved Finnish Moomin characters
Moomin Furniture line brings together Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro and artist and author Tove Jansson …
Grcic, Jongerius and Kukkapuro – a celebration of the chair
Artek at Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2014 Grcic, Jongerius and Kukkapuro – a celebration of …
Karuselli lounge chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Artek
Artek will kick off 2014 with the 50th anniversary of the Karuselli lounge chair A …
Union of Ergonomics and Art – Artek at imm cologne 2014
Artek will kick off 2014 with the 50th anniversary of the Karuselli lounge chair, a …
Yrjö Kukkapuro and Artek have concluded a partnership agreement
The work of Finnish interior architect and furniture designer Yrjö Kukkapuro will get a new …