Hej everyone,
glass is a fascinating material. It can capture light, refract it, and reflect it in beautiful colors. Anyone interested in Finnish glass design cannot ignore one name: Helena Tynell.
She was one of the most influential designers of her time and with her designs not only revolutionized glass design in Finland but also left her mark worldwide.
It became particularly well-known for its organic shapes, its playful structures and, of course, for the famous Aurinkopullo – the “sun bottle”, which is now considered one of the most sought-after collector’s items in Scandinavian design.
But Helena Tynell was far more than just a designer of beautiful vases. She knew how to convey emotions with glass. In this article, we journey through her life, her most famous works, and her influence on Scandinavian design.
The early years: An artist with a passion for glass
Helena Tynell was born in Finland in 1918, at a time when design and craftsmanship were playing an increasingly important role in people's everyday lives. She discovered her passion for form and material, especially glass, at an early age.
After graduating from high school, she attended the renowned Central School of Industrial Art in Helsinki, where she studied model design. This education laid the foundation for her extraordinary career. While many of her contemporaries were still focusing on traditional ceramics and porcelain, she was fascinated by transparent, translucent glass and all its possibilities.
After graduating in 1943, she began her career in the design industry, initially working for the ceramics company Arabia, known in Finland for its high-quality tableware. But she was drawn further—she wanted to work with glass and experiment with light and color.
Riihimäki Glass: The big breakthrough
In 1946, Helena Tynell joined the Riihimäki Glass Factory, one of Finland's leading glass manufacturers. There she had the opportunity to fully develop her talent.
Unique style and design approach
While many glass designers at the time focused on strict, functional forms, Tynell was inspired by nature. Her works are characterized by:
✔ Soft, organic shapes – flowing, harmonious designs instead of angular lines.
✔ Play of light and structure – surfaces that reflect light in a fascinating way.
✔ Warm, bright colors – from golden yellow to deep blue, with extraordinary color gradients.
A prime example of her style is the world-famous Aurinkopullo (Sun Bottle), which she designed in 1964.
The sun bottle – a design classic that never goes out of style
The Aurinkopullo, or Sun Bottle in English, is probably Helena Tynell's best-known work. It was produced by Riihimäki Glass between 1964 and the early 1970s in several sizes and color variations.
What makes the Aurinkopullo so special?
✔ The shape: A round, almost bulbous bottle with a relief-like sun structure.
✔ The colors: From warm amber to deep blue to bright green – each version has its own charisma.
✔ The versatility: Whether as a vase, decorative object or collector's item - the Aurinkopullo is always an eye-catcher.
This glass bottle embodies the joy and lightness of the 1960s and is now one of the most sought-after Scandinavian design objects on the vintage market.
But Tynell didn't limit herself to vases – she also experimented with lamp designs and other everyday objects.
From Finland to Germany: Working for Glashütte Limburg
After her successful time at Riihimäki, Tynell moved to Germany in the 1970s. There she worked for Glashütte Limburg, a company specializing in high-quality glass lighting.
During this phase she developed a new design aesthetic:
✔ Clear, reduced lines instead of playful shapes
✔ Innovative lighting design – lamps that gently diffuse the light
✔ New materials – combination of glass and metal
Her lamps for Glashütte Limburg are now sought-after collector's items and fit perfectly into modern living concepts.
The legacy of Helena Tynell: Why her design is timeless
Helena Tynell has created countless designs throughout her long career that continue to inspire today. But why are her works so timeless?
1. The perfect combination of aesthetics and function
Tynell's glass designs are not only beautiful but also practical for everyday use. Her vases, lamps, and glass artworks are functional objects that simultaneously evoke emotions.
2. The magic of light and color
Whether it's the Aurinkopullo or her lamps, her works play with light in a unique way. Glass becomes a medium for warmth and brightness.
3. Sustainable design that lasts for decades
Many of their objects are still in circulation more than 50 years later. They are so well crafted that they last for generations—that's what defines true Scandinavian design.
Conclusion: A designer who made glass shine
Helena Tynell shaped Finnish glass design with her unique style and advanced it with her innovative ideas. Whether it was her world-famous Aurinkopullo, her work for Riihimäki Glass, or her lamps for Glashütte Limburg – she knew how to play with shapes, light, and colors like few other designers.
Their works are now sought-after collector's items and continue to inspire glass designers around the world.
Maybe next time you're at a flea market or in a design store, look for one of her creations – with a bit of luck, you'll be holding a true piece of design history in your hands!