The designer and sculptor Tapio Wirkkala (1915–1985) was a leading figure of the post-war design movement in Finland. His work included such diverse items as glassware, jewellery, sculpture and furniture, and encompassed everyday objects such as stoves, fridges, electric switches and even banknotes.
Wirkkala’s pendant light TW003 and the diamond-shaped WIR light bulb represented a new direction for technical components in light fittings. In 1960 Wirkkala won awards at the Milan Triennale for this light bulb. In 2013 Artek reintroduced the pendant light and developed a contemporary LED version of the spectacular light source.
For this pendant light, Tapio Wirkkala had also designed a series of striking glass shades. Coinciding with Wirkkala’s 100th anniversary, Artek now reintroduces one of the most emblematic shades, which goes by the name K2-140.
The coloured, transparent glass shades were created to form an elegant frame for the WIR light source. The geometrical shape of the glass allows for the characteristic shape of the bulb to remain visible. The coloured glass, offered in the hues anthracite, amber and smoked blue, creates a soft and atmospheric light.
The TW003 Pendant Lamp is available to buy from October 2015.
