Arttu Brummer: Educator and Advocate in Finnish Glass and Interior Design

Arttu Brummer-Korvenkontio (1891-1951) is a monumental figure in the history of Finnish design, particularly interior and glassware design. His multifaceted career as an educator, designer, and advocate for Finnish arts significantly shaped the evolution of applied and decorative arts in Finland. This article delves into Brummer’s biography, teaching philosophy, and contributions to design, providing a comprehensive understanding of his enduring legacy.

Early Life and Career

Arttu Brummer-Korvenkontio was born in 1891 and began his illustrious career by establishing his own interior design office in 1913. A Central School of Industrial Art graduate, Brummer quickly became one of the most influential figures in Finnish design. His early work set the stage for a career that would span several decades and leave a lasting impact on multiple facets of applied arts.

Works

Teaching and Influence

Brummer’s tenure at Taideteollinen Korkeakoulu (Helsinki School of Arts, Design, and Architecture) from 1944 to 1951 is particularly noteworthy. Here, he taught heraldry, composition, and furniture design, imparting his extensive knowledge and unique perspective to a new generation of designers. Brummer’s teaching methods were heavily influenced by the principles of John Ruskin and William Morris, emphasizing the importance of materials and their treatment. He believed in the evolutionary approach to style, advocating for a deep understanding of historical art movements and their societal contexts.

Brummer was known for his vibrant personality and his ability to inspire students. Though often blunt, his critiques were intended to push students toward excellence. One memorable instance involved Brummer comparing a student’s design to an old pair of galoshes to underscore its inadequacy. Despite his harsh critiques, he was beloved by many for his ability to bring out the best in his students.

Contributions to Design

Brummer’s design philosophy was conservative, positioning him as a counterpoint to the functionalism championed by contemporaries like Alvar Aalto. His style merged Art Deco and 1920s Classicism, resulting in elegant and timeless designs. As a designer for the Riihimäki Glassworks, Brummer created iconic pieces such as the Finlandia Vase in 1945. This vase, characterized by its angular strength and irregular surface, captures the lyrical quality of Jean Sibelius’s music and the essence of Finland’s natural beauty.

Brummer’s role extended beyond design to significant positions in various organizations. He was the chair of the Finnish Association of Designers (ORNAMO), a board member of the Friends of Finnish Handicraft, and a key figure in the Museum of Applied Arts. His contributions to these institutions helped shape the trajectory of Finnish design and craftsmanship.

Legacy and Impact

Arttu Brummer’s legacy is multifaceted. He was pivotal in Finnish industrial arts, particularly furniture, glass, and textiles. His influence is evident in the generation of designers he mentored and the high standards he set in his professional practice. Brummer’s advocacy for Finnish design and efforts to foster public appreciation for applied arts were instrumental in elevating Finnish design internationally.

His educational philosophy, rooted in Darwinism and Ruskinian principles, and his critical yet encouraging approach to teaching made him a revered figure among students and colleagues alike. Brummer’s impact on Finnish design is enduring, and his contributions continue to inspire and influence designers today.

Sources

Arttu Brummer. (22.12.2018). Wikipedia, Retrieved 20.23, 26.01.2021 from //en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arttu_Brummer&oldid=17791452.

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.

Ideology, Form, Material: The Collections of Design Museum Helsinki. (2013). Finland: Design Museum.

McFadden, D. R. (1982). Scandinavian Modern Design, 1880-1980. United States: Abrams.

Utility Reassessed: The Role of Ethics in the Practice of Design. (1999). United Kingdom: Manchester University Press.

Wiberg, M. (1996). The Textile Designer and the Art of Design: On the Formation of a Profession in Finland. Finland: University of Art and Design Helsinki.

Related Links

• Franco Deboni (b.1950) Italian architect and glassware designer
• Aimo Okkolin (1917 – 1982) Finnish Glass Designer
• Riihimaki Glass – Finnish Glass Factory
• Aalto Stool 60, Birch
• The Friends of Finnish Handicraft – Folk and Textile Art

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