In 1966, Wirkkala established his own studio, Design Tapio Wirkkala, and the Venini glassworks presented the first coloured glass objects by him. 

Tapio Wirkkala's largest wooden work of sculpture, Ultima Thule measuring 4 x 9 metres, was completed for Expo '67 in Montreal.

In 1968, he designed cabin tableware for Finnair's DC-8 jetliners. Finnair's predecessor, Aero, had already commissioned the melamine Caravelle service from Wirkkala in 1960.

In the late 1960s, Wirkkala created a unique collection of jewellery, the pieces of which he had originally designed for his wife Rut Bryk.

The Ultima Thule glassware collection for Iittala.