Finnish Design: Facts and Fancy, by Donald J. Willcox and Ove Hector (WSOY 1973), examines Finnish design from a foreigner’s perspective.
For once a book where Finnish design is not pampered! The author, Donald J. Willcox, is an American well acquainted with Finnish conditions and he casts a fresh look on a field with a nearly legendary status, alongside that of Sibelius and the sauna; he examines Finnish design from a foreigner’s point of view. According to Willcox, the word ‘design’ is a hand-me-down, a weary prostitute. He prefers to talk of objects – and not only of them. He examines the entire field of Finnish crafts, the surroundings and conditions where this form culture of world wide fame is created and designed. Willcox presents his eva- luations in a way that is acute, relaxed and fun. His criticism is well meant and constructive. Ove Hector, the Danish psychologist/photographer has assisted in the forming of the abundant picture material. Household gadgets are examined, furniture, wrappings, advertising, even problems in social planning. All the objects have been photographed in their actual surroundings, very often in series of action shots. It is surprising how often common sense design can be found lurking in places where one would least suspect its existence.
– Donald J. Willcox and Ove Hector, Finnish Design: Facts and Fancy (WSOY, 1973), book description
The text is in English. The book is profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Our copy is in nice condition. The pages are clean; no markings. The glueing of the binding is fine. The covers show some signs of edge wear, shelf wear, and use. There is an old price sticker on the back cover.
