DORA JUNG

Dora Jung was an artist with a craftsman's spirit who, through tireless daily effort throughout her life, mastered materials and techniques and refused to compromise in realizing her artistic expression. She developed the traditional damask weaving technique, creating modern damask that reached the level of art.She was also a pioneer who revolutionized Finnish linen products through her collaboration with Tampella as a designer.She studied as one of the first students in the Department of Textile Art at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, and immediately after graduating in 1932, she established her own weaving workshop, "Dora Jung Textil," at her home.While mainly producing damask textiles for churches, she actively participated in large-scale overseas exhibitions from the very beginning of her career.1937 was a significant year for her, as she won a gold medal at the Paris International Exposition, and her collaboration with Tampella began through a large-scale commission, leading her to later become their artistic advisor.Her collaboration with Artek also began when she was responsible for the tablecloths and napkins at the Savoy Restaurant, designed by the Aalto couple.In 1938, she held a joint exhibition with Gunnel Nyman, a glass designer who had been her friend and comrade since her student days. The two also exhibited together at Artek in 1947.At the "Linen Exhibition" held at Artek in 1956, Dora Jung unveiled her first products, linen goods manufactured by Tampella.These were eagerly anticipated designed linen products that harmonized with the modern design tableware that embodied the "beautiful everyday items" that had been successively announced since the early 1950s.Among her many awards, her achievements at the Milan Triennale are particularly noteworthy.She achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix three times in a row: in 1951 and 1954 for works from her own workshop, and in 1957 for products made by Tampella.