Madeline Bloedel from Melbourne and her mum Nicola from Brisbane visited the Marimekko exhibition yesterday and were impressed by the gallery’s pink facade.

The poppies are a classic Unikko print designed in 1964 by Maija Isola.

The Unikko poppy print was born after Marimekko founder Armi Ratia announced that Marimekko would never print a flower pattern.

“Designer Maija Isola refused to obey Armi's orders and created an entire series of floral prints one of which was Unikko,” Bendigo Art Gallery director Karen Quinlan said.

“Today this flower pattern is immediately identifiable with Marimekko.

“We wanted to create a bold statement that incorporated the recognisable Unikko design and set the scene for the exhibition.”

The Bendigo Art Gallery’s exhibition follows the rise of Marimekko in the 1950s to the popularity it had in the 1960s.

Almost 300 pieces from the Finnish textile and fashion company are included in the exhibition.

Marimekko: Design Icon 1951 to 2018 is on at Bendigo Art Gallery from March 3 to June 11. 

Log on to www.bendigoartgallery.com.au for more details or to book tickets.