Creative Journey through Helsinki in a Book

What is Helsinki like in the eyes of designers, craftspeople and artists? 20+12 Design Stories from Helsinki has collected captivating stories about creative and cultural Helsinki, drawn from interviews with designers.

In the book’s 20 interviews, cultural figures from Helsinki take the reader on a creative journey through various districts, as well as into their studios and homes. They include ceramist Kristina Riska, graphic artist Pablo Steffa, industrial designer Naoto Nīdome and Artek CEO Mirkku Kullberg, who reveal how they see Helsinki, from where they draw their inspiration, and what kind of city they visualise. A further 12 inspiring articles consider the spirit of Helsinki, from street art to urban planning.

20+12 Design Stories from Helsinki is being published simultaneously in Finnish and English. The content was produced by photographer Katja Hagelstam, graphic designer Piëtke Visser and interviewer Eva Lamppu. Hagelstam specialises in subjects of cultural and historical interest, as well as interiors and art. She has provided the photography for several books on antiques and décor, and her pictures have been widely published in magazines.

Meet the authors at the Book Fair

Of the book’s authors, Katja Hagelstam and Eva Lamppu will appear at the Book Fair, to be held at the Helsinki Fair Centre from 27 to 30 October 2011. Not only does the fair present almost all the living stars of Finnish literature; there will also be visits by some 90 guests from around the world, including John Boyne and Lorna Byrne from Ireland, comic book artist Don Rosa and the Swedish writers Peter Englund and Jens Lapidus.

The theme of this year’s Book Fair is Finland’s southern neighbour, Estonia. The theme will be presented through seminars, poetry readings and book presentations at the fair, as well as a diversified cultural programme around the Design Capital, including exhibitions and literary evenings.