Wirkkala took a sculpture degree from the Central School of Arts and Crafts, Helsinki, in 1936. His first job was with an advertising agency, but continued to pursue his interest in design by entering various competitions. In 1947, Wirkkala won a competition sponsored by the Iittala Glassworks. He joined their staff, and would continue to design for them for the rest of his life.

Wirkkala gained international renown in 1951 with a leaf-shaped wooden platter manufactured by Soinne; House Beautiful magazine declared it the most beautiful object of the year. He worked in the United States for Raymond Loewy from 1955-6, designing televisions, irons, and utensils. By 1958 he had opened his own workshop in Helsinki. He also established a relationship with the Rosenthal porcelain factory around this time, for whom he designed his "Finlandia" china service. Wirkkala also proved to be an imaginative exhibition designer; his Finnish pavilions for the Triennale di Milano in both 1951 and 1954 earned him considerable acclaim, and his "fururological" exhibit for the 1958 Brussels World Fair anticipated the department store of the year 2000. Page 2 >