We know Estonia
8.11.2024 | Culture

Bruno Tomberg’s work on display in Tallinn

Text Ingel Kink
Photos The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

Bruno Tomberg’s work on display in Tallinn

 

The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design will host a comprehensive retrospective exhibition, “Bruno Tomberg: Inventing Design,” that opens today (November 8). This exhibition celebrates the six-decade career of Bruno Tomberg (1925-2021), one of Estonia’s most influential designers, interior architects, and educators, and reveals his extensive contributions to both the design industry and education in Estonia.

Tomberg played a key role in establishing Estonia’s design education and was instrumental in shaping the field of industrial design in the 1960s. Under his leadership, the State Art Institute of Estonia introduced a curriculum in industrial arts in 1966, providing the foundation of formal design education in the country. Tomberg’s approach introduced fresh perspectives on both traditional applied arts and forward-thinking design concepts, advocating for systematic design knowledge in an era when resources were limited.

While Tomberg is widely recognised as a pioneer of Estonian design education, the exhibition sheds light on his lesser-known roles as an artist and conceptual thinker. Among his notable designs is the iconic 1974 electric heater manufactured by Volta, alongside his work across multiple media, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, lighting, and graphic design.

The exhibition features personal archival materials donated by Tomberg to the museum in 2010, offering visitors a rare glimpse into his creative process, as well as design sketches and prototypes of his work.

The exhibit runs until March 30 at The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design in Tallinn.

 

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Bruno Tomberg Design History in Estonia Design Innovation Estonian Design Graphic Design Interior Design The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

8.11.2024 | Culture

Kai Art Center announces a call for applications for its 2025 residency program

Kai Art Center announces a call for applications for its 2025 residency program

Kai Art Center in Tallinn is now accepting applications for its 2025 Kai Residency program, which offers artists, curators, … Read more

7.11.2024 | Culture

PÖFF 2024 will screen over 500 films from 81 countries

PÖFF 2024 will screen over 500 films from 81 countries

The Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) has announced its full programme, featuring 249 full-length feature films and 323 short … Read more

6.11.2024 | Culture

Shop for Estonia’s finest handicrafts at the St. Martin’s Fair

Shop for Estonia’s finest handicrafts at the St. Martin’s Fair

The St. Martin’s Fair, which is the largest crafts and folkloristic lifestyle event in Estonia, will take place at … Read more

5.11.2024 | Culture

The spooky pickle season begins at museums across south Estonia  

The spooky pickle season begins at museums across south Estonia  

Museums across south Estonia are kicking off the annual low season, known as the “pickle season” (hapukurgihooaeg in Estonian), … Read more

4.11.2024 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

01–07.11 Tallinn Restaurant Week, around Tallinn Tallinn Restaurant Week returns with 88 restaurants offering 2-course lunches and 3-course dinners … Read more

1.11.2024 | Culture

Ryoji Ikeda exhibtion comes to Tartu

Ryoji Ikeda exhibtion comes to Tartu

The Ryoji Ikeda Solo Exhibition will be held from November 2, 2024, to March 2, 2025, at the Estonian … Read more

1.11.2024 | Culture

New photography pop-up gallery opens in Tallinn

New photography pop-up gallery opens in Tallinn

On November 1 at 7 pm, the Estonian Photographic Artists’ Union (FOKU), in collaboration with the Rüki Gallery, will … Read more

30.10.2024 | Culture

Design your own board game at the Board Game Hackathon

Design your own board game at the Board Game Hackathon

A three-day Board Game Hackathon will take place at Aparaaditehas in Tartu this weekend (November 1 to 3). The … Read more