FinnFlair

Sanna Loves Vintage Glassware

Some people collect shoes, some handbags and others go nuts when they find a new item for their endless collection of porcelain. Vintage glassware is the thing that makes this girl tick.

I was guided to the wonderful world of glass already at an early age. My granny had the coolest glasses I knew and she even let me play with them! I learned to love glass as a material because it’s so protean, versatile and fascinating. Nowadays I’m especially charmed by colourful and well-defined glassware from 1950’s.

My all time favourite glass range is no doubt Kartio which was designed by Kaj Franck (1911-1989) in 1958. Kartio is very elegant and sophisticated yet durable enough for everyday use. The Kartio range of today is slightly different from the original one but you can still recognize Kartio’s constant simplicity and usability, elements that defined Franck’s designs all around.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was another Finnish designer who knew how to make the most of glass. When my granny died I got Wirkkala’s Briljant cocktail glasses from her estate among the other things. My Wirkkala collection was topped up some more when I got his cognac glasses for my 30th birthday.

Tapio Wirkkala’s Briljant cocktail glasses (1959).

Unfortunately, vintage design glass isn’t always affordable for me, being an academic project worker that I am. Design glass has become very popular and people are paying big bucks for the most wanted items. At the moment I’m happy with my basic collection but I constantly seek great bargains from flea markets and online auctions.

What do you collect and where do you normally find your collectibles?

More glassware eye candy: Designlasi.com.

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