Studio International

Published 08/07/2001

Finnish Design Exhibition in London

‘Departures’ at Vessel, 114 Kensington Park Road, London W 11. 27 June —31 August

This is an excellent proof that the long-standing design tradition from Finland is still advancing. Here is an upbeat show of the work of the latest wave of designers and students from the University of Art and Design, Helsinki. Tonfisk Design have, appropriately for Britain, designed a superb teapot, using insulating cork wrapped around a ceramic cylinder.

Called the 'Warm’, this item is selling well in Paris and New York, and now in London. Tonfisk combines the talents of Irishman Brian Keanan with Helsinki partner Tony Alfstrom. Tonfisk is their ceramics company. Helsinki's University of Arts and Design (UIAH) is where Keanen works with lecturer Annaleena Hakatie. Student work is included in the exhibition.