This Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp K10-11, is incorrectly dated in the reference book "Tapio Wirkkala: Eye, Hand and Thought" to 1958.
The Finnish comedy "Isän vanha ja uusi" (Father Old and New), an important film directed by Matti Kassila in the spring of 1955, indicates that it was made earlier. The importance of the film lies in the documentation and dating of some of the decorative objects and lamps and in particular the K10-11. In this case
it can be assumed that the film was made before the spring of 1955. Certainly 1954 if not earlier. Credit and thanks for discovering this are due to our friend and colleague Shadi Haddadin from Helsinki, who dug up these circumstances at our request. Film stills and images are from the National Audiovisual Institute KAVI in Helsinki.
Table lamp model K11-16
Also used as wall lamp.
Brass, leather and lacquered aluminium
Design Tapio Wirkkala ca. 1954
Made by Idman Oy Helsinki
Height approx. 43 cm / 15.7".
Idman sales catalogue no. 138, 1955, p. 72, reference: model 6107
Idman sales catalogue no. 142, 1958 p. 114 Reference: K11-16
Museum of Art and Design Helsinki, "Tapio Wirkkala - Eye, Hand and Thought" 2000, p. 387