As industrialization swept through Europe, artists and intellectuals in the Nordics—Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland—turned to the countryside in search of cultural identity, authenticity, and artistic inspiration.

Born in 1951 in Helsinki, Marimekko has grown into a globally beloved brand known for its bold prints, vibrant colors, and joyful simplicity. But its journey to international fame started, quite unexpectedly, from failure.

Arabia was founded in 1873 in Helsinki, in a district that eventually took its name from the factory itself. The company was originally a branch of the Swedish porcelain company Rörstrand.

Ulla Procopé (1921–1968) was a Finnish ceramic designer renowned for her contributions to the Arabia ceramics company during the mid-20th century.