The Finnish Society of Crafts and Design was founded in 1875 to advance Finnish craftsmanship and manufacturing. For 150 years, it has fulfilled its mission with the support of both public and private funding. In its field, it is the second-oldest organization of its kind in the world.
The history of the Society parallels the development of Finnish design. Below is a selection of significant events and dates from the Society’s long journey. Texts 1875–2000 by Auli Suortti-Vuorio, 2000–2023 by Anne Veinola.
The early years of the Society 1875–1900
Exhibition activities begin 1932–1939
The birth of Finnish Design 1951–1959
Design takes a stand 1963–1975
Finland Designs and Design Forum is established 1979–1993
Classics and new trends 1993–2000
The turn of the millennium 2001–2006
Internationalisation initiatives 2007–2010
Years of major projects 2010–2015
Strategy changes 2015–
Photo: An exhibition of Finnish glass and textile in Rio de Janeiro, 1958.