TIMO SARPANEVA. Two “Crocus” vases, Iittala, Finland.

Art glass. Partially label-marked. Height 15 cm.

Timo Tapani Sarpaneva (born 31 October 1926 in Helsinki, Finland, died 2 October 2006) was a Finnish glass artist and designer. He became one of the world's most famous glass artists and was a central figure in the Finnish design elite along with Tapio Wirkkala during the 1950s and 1960s. Together they helped to establish the concept of Finnish design. Although glass was the main material for Sarpaneva, he worked with various materials from textiles to steel.

After studying at the Finnish School of Art and Design in Helsinki in 1941—43 and 1945—48, he was hired in 1950 as a designer at Iittala, and in 1955—56 he worked as artistic director at the Pori cotton factory. In her work with glass, Sarpaneva brought out both utility objects and abstract sculptures. He celebrated success during the 1950s with ice cream comics such as “Lancet”, “Orchid” and “Kayak”.

As a textile artist, Sarpaneva created, among other things, interior fabrics of the series Karelia. Another great success was the Ambiente fabric manufactured by Tampella in Tampere. Sarpaneva also created frying pans, fish stews, and cast iron casseroles for Rosenlew.

He had exhibitions in many places in Europe and America and is represented at most important design museums in the world. In 1976 he was awarded the title of professor. He was an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Honorary Doctor of the Royal College of Arts, London.