Born in Hanko, Finland. Tapio Wirkkala is known as the versatile genius of design. His contribution to design includes everything from glass products to the design of banknotes and graphic art. During his career, Wirkkala has participated in many interntional exhibitions, as well as being the artistic director of the University of Arts and Design in Helsinki for many years. He has won a large number of awards, including three gold medals at the Triennale in Milan in 1951, followed by another three in 1954.