Oiva Toikka (b. 1931) is one of the most celebrated names in Finnish glass design. Known for his imaginative, playful, bold, and colorful works, Toikka’s artistic approach stands apart from the mainstream of Finnish design. Despite his unconventional style, his functional glassware has enjoyed great success both in Finland and internationally.

In addition to his prolific glass art, Toikka has also designed stage sets for opera and fabrics for Marimekko. Deeply knowledgeable in the properties and techniques of glass, he worked closely with the master glassblowers at Finland’s oldest glassworks, the Nuutajärvi Glass Factory. This collaboration forms an essential part of the story told in this richly illustrated book, which also traces the evolution of Nuutajärvi’s art glass production.

Written by Jack Dawson, head of the Department of Art History and Design at the University of Sunderland and a specialist in glass and ceramics, the book offers an insightful, international perspective on Toikka’s work. Dawson has curated several exhibitions, including Finnish Post-War Glass (1996), the most extensive exhibition of Finnish glass ever shown in the UK.

A richly visual and in-depth tribute to one of Finland’s most distinctive designers.