To celebrate Finnish design in Brighton, I created a 'modern' continuation for the archival materials used for this project. For this, I sought out people in the Finnish community of Brighton & Hove that were interested in taking part. We talked about what Finnish design means to them personally and how they use it in their daily lives. I then photographed the participants in their homes with their favourite Finnish design object.
Sirpa Kutilainen, May 2012
"I really like the folklore-ish imagery of the Taika crockery by Iittala, designed by Klaus Haapaniemi."
"I keep on receiving Finnish presents from my family and friends that represent Finnish design. All of them I am very thankful and proud to have."
"Since I had to pick one it had to be my Fiskars cheese slicer. In Finland it is an everyday item that one would most likely take for granted."
"I have chosen Heljä Liukko-Sundström's ceramic tile. I have probably about 200 tiles of her work - it is my big passion."
"I chose my Reino slippers as I wear them every day and they remind me of my childhood – both my father and both my grandfathers wore Reinos."
"I have some curtains from my childhood home in the 1970’s that my mum gave me when I moved out. I love the colours and design."
"I’ve chosen Iittala’s Kivi candle holder. It was designed by Heikki Orvola in 1988. I love the sturdy, thick glass and the minimal, timeless shape."
"I chose my three glass bottles all in similar shade of blue: Grapponia and Stella Polaris by Nanny Still and Aurinko bottle by Helena Tynel."
"I chose one of the Aalto vases we have - this particular one was given to me and my wife as a wedding present."
"We have used lots of wood in the interior, I think it is the natural material for Finns."
"During this project I have, with some amusement, realised just how much of Finnish design I have accumulated over the years."
