Kaj Franck

Trained as illustrator and textile designer, Franck (1911-1989) was employed in 1945 by the legendary Finnish glass works iittala but became design director of the large porcelain factory Arabia already in 1946. In 1950 he became design director of Nuutajärvi glass works. Franck revolutionised the dinnerware in Scandinavia with his radical but simple and utilitarian glass, plates and bowls which all could be mixed and matched. The Kilta (later Teema) series for Arabia was mass made, fired in the same kiln as the companies wash basins and toilet bowls. Until today, more than 25 million pieces have been sold. Franck also produced beautiful art glass at iittala and Nuutajärvi, today highly valued by collectors around the world. Franck was also a teacher at the College of Applied Arts, the predecessor of the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Today, Design Forum Finland awards the yearly Kaj Franck Prize to a designer or team of designers working in the spirit of the late Kaj Franck.