Designer: Markku Salo

Markku Salo (b. 1954, Nokia, Finland) began formal training in the mid-1970s at Kankaanpää Art School, then earned a degree in industrial design from Helsinki’s University of Art and Design in 1979. Initially working in consumer electronics at Salora, he soon shifted to glass, joining Nuutajärvi Glassworks in 1983 at the invitation of Oiva Toikka, despite lacking prior experience in the medium.

Glassworks & Studio Practice

At Nuutajärvi (later Iittala-Nuutajärvi), Salo crafted both production pieces and unique art glass. In the late 1980s, he opened his own gallery and studio in Nuutajärvi, exhibiting handcrafted works and exploring forms that blend utilitarian purpose with sculptural qualities.

Signature Works

Salo is celebrated for several enduring designs: Nappi candle holders for Iittala, the textured Cumulus vase, and his Apollo series from the 1990s. His unique Inari decanters and experimental “robotic” installation at Retretti highlight a willingness to merge industrial processes with artistry.

Teaching & Awards

Beyond design, Salo has served as a teacher at Helsinki’s arts university and Wetterhoff. His work has earned the State Prize for Design (1989), the Georg Jensen Award (1990), and later the prestigious Kaj Franck Prize (2015).

Legacy in Collections

His pieces feature in major collections including Helsinki City Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum (London), Nationalmuseum (Stockholm), Röhsska (Gothenburg), Cooper Hewitt (New York), and the British Museum. Salo’s work embodies a post-modern spirit: combining clean, functional design with subtle emotion and artistic depth.