Designer: Mikko Helander

Mikko Helander emerged in the Finnish glass world during the 1960s at Humppila Glassworks, a company launched by the Helander brothers, former Nuutajärvi glassblowers, in 1952. While details on his formal training are scarce, Helander’s intuitive grasp of glass techniques quickly became evident in his works registered under his signature at Humppila.

Key Techniques & Signatures

Helander’s glass objects often feature spiral or bullicante treatments, where controlled air bubbles are embedded in the molten glass. Works such as his distinctive emerald green vase (catalogued as model 407) showcase a soft spiral texture paired with crystalline transparency, highlighting his technical mastery.

Recognition & Museum Display

Examples of Helander’s creations, especially from the 1960s, are part of the Finnish Glass Museum’s permanent display, underscoring his importance in national art glass history.

Humppila’s Artistic Environment

Working within a creative hub, Helander was part of a generation of designers who embraced both traditional and experimental glass methods at Humppila. The factory shifted from artisanal blowing toward more mechanical and centrifugal techniques during his time, establishing a platform for hybrid and decorative pieces such as Helander’s.

Legacy and Collectors’ Appeal

Helander’s midcentury works, especially spiral decorated vases, are now seen as emblematic of Finland’s postwar glass innovation. Their elegant forms, controlled bubble effects, and museum inclusion make them desirable to collectors who value minimalist technically rich Scandinavian art glass.