Timo Sarpaneva

Timo Sarpaneva's collection.

How can someone successfully work with such a variety of materials?
Timo Sarpaneva was a graphic designer who graduated from the School of Art and Design in Helsinki in 1949. Despite having no prior experience with glass or metal, he succeeded in working with a variety of materials. He learned the necessary technical knowledge from his colleagues at the factory and did most of the work on the production line rather than at the drawing table. Timo was not only artistically talented but also socially skilled. He was a natural part of each workgroup, encouraging and inspiring others while showing respect and appreciation to his colleagues.

Timo's detailed sketches served as a draft for the stainless steel dishes, but the final work was carried out during production at the OPA factory. His 'round square' shape, which he called it, appeared in many of the objects he designed. This shape, now referred to as 'superellipse', was already present in the glass plates Timo designed in the 1950s.

Timo paid attention to every detail, including hinges, joints, and finishes in OPA's stainless steel range. He believed that even a hinge could be finely crafted, like a piece of jewelry.

Marjatta Sarpaneva