Design in Helsinki Films

Scenographer Ensio Suominen designed a modern atelier for artist Kurt Kuurna (Pentti Siimes), a memorable character in Matti Kassila’s film Gas, Inspector Palmu! (1961). Harry Bertoia’s future design classics, chairs Diamond and Bird, were a striking detail of the interior.

Ossi Elstelä’s interiors in Valentin Vaala’s The Substitute Husband (1936) reflect the art deco influence of Hollywood, although the Finnish version is less lavish. Leading roles were played by Tauno Palo and Tuulikki Paananen.

The young office clerk Irmeli Venes (Tuulikki Paananen) wears a fabulous evening gown in the film The Substitute Husband (1936). The designer of the costume is unknown.

Interior design was seemingly a suitable profession for elegant and attractive women in Finnish films in the 1930s and 40s. In Valentin Vaala’s Vuokrasulhanen (A Groom to Rent, 1945) interior designer Meeri Holvi (Lea Joutseno) visits the study of her boss Arvo Rauta (Tauno Majuri). The set was designed by Erkki Siitonen.

Judge Soratie is contemplating his life in his sumptuous residence. The impressive sets in Valentin Vaala’s Hulda goes to Helsinki (1937) were created by Ossi Elstelä.

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Free entry

The exhibition reveals the visual imagery of films shot in Helsinki between the 1930s and the 1960s.

Design and architecture had a huge impact in the visual imagery of films, as they allowed the creation of different urban atmospheres. Designer clothes for films, made-up homes and environments commented on the prevailing reality, exaggerated contemporary phenomena and peeked into the future through imagination.

The exhibition will also highlight lesser-known Finnish film makers: set designers and clothing designers that helped realise the actors' glamour. At the same time, the exhibition takes a look at the work of design professionals at Helsinki film studios.

In addition to historical facts and insights, the exhibition offers a joyful nostalgia trip to historical Helsinki. On top of photographs, historical items and dresses, films are used to a great extent in the exhibition. Organized in cooperation with KAVA, National Audiovisual Archive, the exhibition is completed by narrated film showings and activities suitable for all ages.

More information

Minna Santakari
Exhibition curator
Tel. +358 50 337 6370
minna.santakari@gmail.com

Urban culture, Media and Communication, Fashion

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Design in Helsinki Films

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