Swing, layered birch wood and rope, with printed design on underside, 'Keinu Tapetti', Tunto Design, Finland, 2007.

Wooden rectangular swing seat, slightly bowed with a hole drilled at each end, through which two lengths of cream rope are threaded and knotted. The underside of the seat has a repeating design printed in black reminiscent of hearts and clubs, with dotted lines.

Given by Tunto Design

This product was designed by Mikko Kärkkäinen, of Tunto Design. The company's core ethos is one of high quality, fresh designs and innovation, and an ecological approach is also maintained. The use of wood is a particular speciality, and all of the products are hand-made. The design on the underside of the seat was designed by Jan Fagerroos, who worked for the Helsinki-based design studio Njoi CoLab, who mainly produce skateboard designs and graphics, and with whom Tunto have collaborated. It was acquired for use in the V&A Museum of Childhood's 'Sit Down' exhibition in 2010.

Historical significance: This swing is a modern twist on a timeless classic children's plaything, and embodies not only the characteristics traditionally associated with Scandinavian design, such as the use of wood and natural materials and a broadly ecological approach, but also updates this with reference to contemporary skateboarding graphics.

The Keinu swing is designed to be used by both adults and children, to be set up at the home or office to 'swing away the day', according to the manufacturers website.

This swing, the Keinu 'Tapetti', was designed and manufactured by the Finnish company Tunto Design in 2007. It is made from layered birch wood, with printed design and ropes that are knotted through two holes on either side of the seat, which can be used to hang the seat from a tree. The graphics on the underside of the seat were created by Njoi CoLab, a design studion specialising in graphics for skateboarding.

The swing has been designed to be used by both adults and children, and, according to the manufacturer, can be set up either in the home or office to 'swing the day away'. It is a good example of high-quality Scandinavian design, using traditional methods and materials. The skateboarding graphics make the design more contemporary.

B.93-2010