LEGACY OF WETTERHOFF: CELEBRATING 139 YEARS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND DESIGN

Fridrika Wetterhoff´s legacy serves as a foundation of HAMK Design Education, fostering entrepreneurship, international opportunities, and freedom. 

The journey of HAMK Design Education has already reached 139 years since its start in 1885, when pioneer and reformer of Finnish education, Fredrika Wetterhoff, established the Wetterhoff Craft School. Wetterhoff´s vision was not only about education but also about providing opportunities and self-sufficiency to its students. Fridrika Wetterhoff´s legacy serves as a foundation of HAMK Design Education, fostering entrepreneurship, international opportunities, and freedom in their studies. Through tradition and modern technology, HAMK allows its students to embrace their creativity and build their paths toward success.  

Equal Rights and Entrepreneurship as Part of HAMK DNA 

Fredrika Wetterhoff Craft School was founded by miss Fredrika Wetterhoff in Hämeenlinna in 1885. It was not just an ordinary school. As a women´s rights advocate, miss Wetterhoff aimed to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing opportunities to learn a profession that would make them self-sufficient. The curriculum, which included sewing, crocheting, knitting, sculpting, straw work, and drawing, was a start for design education in Hämeenlinna. Soon it expanded to a weaving course, marking the start of a transformative journey for both its students and the local community.  

Just as Wetterhof's dedication to providing education lifted the status of poor women in society during Fredrika's time, HAMK focuses on nurturing diversity and empowering individuals from all backgrounds providing cultural inclusiveness, prioritizing teamwork in the curriculum, and organizing international friendship programs. Today design students can choose studies in fashion, footwear, glass, and ceramics design.  

The Bridge Between Education and Real-world Scenarios

Initially met with skepticism, the school soon gained recognition for its efforts, serving as an inspiring example for the establishment of other similar schools in Finland. Since the former students of the school were hired as teachers across the country, Fredrika set up a teacher´s education department. In addition to craft skills teachers were expected to broaden their knowledge base, proficiency in drawing, pattern design, and understanding of economic principles. A professional weaving workshop, operating alongside the school, became essential in training teachers and improving the educational curriculum. 

As part of the school´s development, Frederika established a store alongside the school, as a strategic move to not only boost the institution´s finances but also attract significant commissions in weaving and dressmaking. The bridge between education and real-world applications is also important in current design education at HAMK. Design degree students have two internships they need to complete before finishing their studies and they engage in collaborative projects with companies during their studies. They are encouraged to be brave and make mistakes throughout their studies which gives students more confidence in applying for job positions and growing as a designer. 

Breaking the Rules  

Fredrika Wetterhoff challenged societal norms by teaching subjects that were not traditionally included in women´s education at that time. The pace of work was more demanding than at other schools. For example, the workday consisted of nine hours instead of the usual six hours. It is noted, that each student had woven almost 20 different fabrics each year. Additionally, she encouraged students to work hard to meet the deadlines, to the extent that it garnered public disapproval from a local newspaper.   

To extend and develop, Fredrika Wetterhoff was interested in advancing technical solutions for weaving. As a result, a carpentry workshop for building quality looms was established on site in 1893. These looms gained international interest, serving as exemplary models in foreign schools, notably in Norway after Norwegian teachers visited the school. Additionally, a German teacher Carl Neu introduced cutting-edge weaving techniques, further improving the school´s reputation for innovation.  

Fredrika´s progressive approach has carried over the decades and become one of the essential values at HAMK Design Studies. Here, students enjoy access to highly equipped studios featuring traditional tools such as kilns and industrial sewing machines, and modern technology, such as 3D printers, VStitcher, and material scanners. Students are encouraged to embrace mistakes and are supported in their self-learning aims.  Design education at Häme University of Applied Sciences has become the driving force in the surrounding municipalities, participating in joint ventures.  

Beyond Finland 

The connection and influence of the Fredrika Wetterhoff Craft School extended far beyond the borders of Finland, reaching Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, and even the African continent, specifically Burkina Faso, where one of the former students worked as a teacher. 

During the 1950s the Wetterhoff shop was administratively separated from the school and is today operated by an individual company. Representatives of the school´s products were established not only in Helsinki but also in Viborg, St. Petersburg, Riga, and New York.  

During the 20th century, exhibitions and international fairs became significant areas for showcasing the talents of the school to audiences abroad, and diverse exchange programs were established that spanned across the globe. These initiatives not only promoted cultural exchange but also played a role in spreading knowledge and expertise.  

Nowadays the Smart and Sustainable Design at HAMK continues to create opportunities for exchange studies, providing full-time students with appealing experiences abroad to boost their educational journey further.  Furthermore, the student body of the school is more and more international. Since launching its first full-time international class in 2020, the program has attracted over a hundred international students pursuing studies in fashion, footwear, glass and ceramics.  

Legacy of Fredrika Wetterhoff at HAMK

Fredrika Wetterhoff´s progressive vision and approach have expanded and influenced today's design studies in Hämeenlinna. Over time, Wetterhoff Craft School became a part of the Häme Polytechnic, which took its first students in the autumn of 1991. This cooperation doubled the number of students studying at Häme Polytechnic, and in 1993 new facilities in the Design department were built.  

Today, Wetterhoff´s legacy remains a key feature in HAMK´s Design Department. Students benefit from hands-on training and access to modern tools.

Ever since Fredrika´s day, the goal has been to teach students the whole process of designing, from planning, doing, and marketing their products and ideas.

Most importantly, preparing its students throughout their studies for a real-life working environment. Today, as part of Häme University of Applied Sciences, the Design Department continues this legacy, attracting international students and offering exchange opportunities, advancing its impact on design education and giving them the freedom to choose their career path no matter their background.  

More about Fredrika Wetterhoff Foundation.