Lapuan Kankurit’s Dora Jung Reproduction Recognized at MUOTO2011 Gala
Lapuan Kankurit’s Dora Jung reproduction received recognition at the MUOTO2011 gala, held on September 1, 2011, at Finlandia Hall. Lapuan Kankurit was the winner of the public vote in the textile products category.
A panel of professionals selected three products in each category, from which a public vote was conducted. The jury’s reasoning: Lapuan Kankurit revived the linen textiles of textile artist Dora Jung (1906–1980), which require significant expertise in both linen and jacquard weaving. This initiative is a tribute to Jung’s goal of bringing beauty to everyday Finnish homes.
Lapuan Kankurit’s CEO, Esko Hjelt, is delighted with the public vote victory. “It’s wonderful that our products resonate with both design professionals and consumers. This indicates that the product is successful,” says Esko Hjelt. Lapuan Kankurit builds on decades of weaving tradition, utilizing pure natural materials, top-tier design, and advanced technology. “Our goal is to be a pioneer in the industry, which is why we use only the latest weaving machinery, top designers, and invest in product development. We want to offer contemporary, superior textiles,” Esko Hjelt explains.
Dora Jung Collection
Renowned Finnish textile artist Dora Jung (1906–1980) created linen-based design products and artworks throughout her 50-year career. Now, her stunning textile designs—100 Ruusua (100 Roses), Kielo (Lily of the Valley), Kaarna (Bark), Anemone, and Viiva (Line)—are being revived at Lapuan Kankurit’s weaving mill. The relaunch of the Dora Jung collection is the result of extensive preparation.
“Dora Jung was known for her uncompromising approach and often challenged the limitations of materials and weaving techniques. Naturally, we wanted to honor that spirit, which required considerable ingenuity and expertise before we could get the weaving machines to replicate the artist’s delicate lines,” Hjelt recalls. The perseverance paid off, as the result is a first-class collection that has already received worldwide acclaim.
Lapuan Kankurit’s linen weaving mill operates in Lapua and has an extensive retailer network, exporting to over 20 countries. It is the only Finnish weaving mill whose high-quality linen textiles have been accepted into the prestigious European Masters of Linen association.
The selection panel for MUOTO2011 included interior architect Elina Aalto, CEO Pauli Aalto-Setälä, marketing manager Irja Boman, CEO Juha Halttunen, editor-in-chief Anna-Liisa Hämäläinen, CEO Mikko Kalhama, professor of textile art Pirjo Kääriäinen, and industrial designer Asmo Noronen. The competition was organized by Koti ja keittiö magazine.