THE FOUNDATION
The Tapio Wirkkala – Rut Bryk Foundation was established and registered in 2003 in accordance with the approved statutes. The magnificent art and archive collection of the TWRB Foundation was donated by artists children Sami Wirkkala and Maaria Wirkkala. Along with heirs, the foundation was founded by Paavo Hohti, Henk Staal, Juhani Pallasmaa and Antti Siltavuori.
The artist-designer couple Tapio Wirkkala and Rut Bryk worked in many disciplines. They were always open to new technical developments, continuously trying to expand design through innovation. They were also passionately committed to furthering design education.
The Foundation aims to maintain this spirit and to stimulate design development in collaboration with design departments at universities and related institutions.
THE AIMS OF THE FOUNDATION
In accordance with the statutes, the aims of the Foundation are:
- to maintain and catalogue the Wirkkala/Bryk Collection, to support research on their work and to establish a permanent venue for the collection;
- to stimulate and participate in related exhibitions and publications in collaboration with museums and other relevant institutions;
- to organise and stimulate Finnish and international design discussion through seminars, design conferences, master classes and scholarly projects in collaboration with design departments at universities and appropriate institutions, and to grant awards and scholarships.
RESPONSIBILITY
We operate responsibly, promote accessibility, environmental sustainability, and equality in our activities, and work continuously to strengthen these sectors.
Accessibility: Our services are clear and our communication is transparent, and they are accessible to everyone.
Ecological awareness: We make sustainable choices, reduce our environmental impact, and favor environmentally friendly solutions.
Equality: We promote equality and diversity — everyone has the right to participate and be treated equally.
Responsibility is part of our everyday life and decision-making, not just a goal but our way of operating.
THE BOARD
The Board determines the policies and activities of the Foundation and carries the financial responsibility. The Board appoints the managing director and employs persons to carry out various tasks related to the aims and activities of the Foundation. The first task of the Foundation was to produce a museum-quality inventory of its unique collection.
The Board Members of the Tapio Wirkkala – Rut Bryk – Foundation, dated June 2024:
Katarina Siltavuori, M.A, Chairman
Juha Ilonen, Architect SAFA, Vice Chairman
Ville Kokkonen, Industrial designer
Harri Koskinen, , Industrial designer
Laura Sarvilinna, Creative Director
Maaria Wirkkala, Artist
THE INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
The International Advisory Council appointed by The Foundation consists of members with expertise in different areas including culture, politics, finance, industry, communications and public relations. The Advisory Council will assist in networking and establishing contacts. It will also assist the Foundation with advice and commentary. Instead of regular meetings the members and the Foundation are in contact through personal communication.
The Advisory Council consists of the following members from 15.9.2011:
Dr. Krister Ahlström, Espoo
David, The Marquess of Queensberry, QHDesign, London
Barbro Kulvik, Designer, Fiskars
R. Craig Miller, Senior Curator of Design Arts and Director of Design Initiatives at the Indianapolis Museum of Arts, Indianapolis
Ingeborg de Roode, Curator of Industrial Design Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
Rafaela Seppälä, M.Sc. (Journalism), Managing Director, Helsinki
Sami Wirkkala, Interior Architect, Ivalo