Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) stands as one of the preeminent figures in 20th-century Scandinavian design and architecture. Born in Kuortane, Finland, Aalto's innovative approach merged modernist principles with traditional craftsmanship. Renowned for his organic forms and sensitivity to natural materials, Aalto's creations epitomize the essence of Nordic design ethos. Among his most celebrated works is the iconic 'Savoy Vase' (1936), and the 'Paimio Chair' (1932) designed for the Paimio Sanatorium (1933).

Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku

Model no. 41, also known as 'Paimio', designed in 1931-32.
Bent laminated birch plywood, lacquered plywood. 
Impressed '3' to underside of both arms.

Provenance:
Erik Andersson. "Villa Mamre", a property from ca. 1900 situated outside of Gävle, Sweden. Reportedly, this chair was purchased in the 1930s along with other Aalto furniture;
Thence by descent.

Furniture

'Paimio' Armchair

History:
This model was designed for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland in 1931-32.

Literature:
Kellein, Thomas, 'Alvar & Aino Aalto. Design. Collection Bischofberger', Hatje Cantz Verlag (Germany) 2004, p.40.

Designed in 1932, for the entrance hall of the Paimio Sanatorium.
Bent painted steel metal, painted birch plywood.
Inventory mark under seat: 'V'.

Stool

Literature:
Männisto, Pertti, 'Aalto: Design Collection', Pertti Männitö (Finland) 2022, p.76.
Tuukkanen, Pirkko, 'Alvar Aalto: Designer', The Alvar Aalto Museum (Finland) 2++2. p. 76.

Valaistustyö

Painted metal, brass. 
Impressed 'Valaistustyö A 332' to frame.

Other 'Beehive' examples available.

Lighting

'Beehive' Ceiling Lamp

Model no. A808, designed in 1955.
Perforated brass, white lacquered metal, leather wrapped stem. 
Manufacturers stamps and model number to the base.

Floor Lamp

History:
Designed for National Pensions Institute, Helsinki.

Model no. A622B.
Lacquered metal.
Stamped with manufacturer's mark and model no. to base.

Ceiling Lamp

Model no. A22, executed early 1950s. 
Original lacquered metal. 

Provenance: 
Alvar Aalto
Thence by descent.

Cast bronze. 
Impressed with manufacturers mark.

Other similar examples available: ref. <a href="https://www.jacksons.se/products/door-handle-2001016" target="_blank">2001016</a>, <a href="https://www.jacksons.se/products/door-handle-2210074" target="_blank">2210074</a>.

Various

Pair of Door Handles

Model no. A605.
Lacquered metal, brass interior. 
Stamped with manufacturers mark and model no. to the base.

Artek

Model no. A622A, designed in 1953.
Lacquered metal.

Model no. A110.
Painted brass, perforated brass, brass.

'Grenade' Ceiling Lamp

Finmar

Model no. 83, designed circa 1935. 
Steam bent birch plywood, birch, original inlaid linoleum top.

Dining Table

Model no. Y61.
Laminated bent birch, cane.

Pair of Stools

Model No. 400.
Designed in 1936. 
Laminated steam bent birch ply with sheepskin upholstery.

Pair of 'Tank' Armchairs

Literature; Alvar Aalto Designer, Alvar Aalto Museum, Finland 2002, pages 35, 85,174.

Model no. 112B-2.
Birch.
Manufacturer's stamp to the frame.

Shelf

Birch, laminated steam bent birch plywood, nickel plated hardware.

Pair of Coat Racks / Shelves

Coat Rack / Shelf

Birch with sliding glass doors. 
Stamped with manufacturer's marks to rear.

Wall Mounted Cabinet

Model no. 31.
Bent laminated birch frame, seat in laminated birch.

'Little Paimio' Armchair

Model no. 192.
Stained birch, mirrored glass. 
Stamped 'AALTO DESIGN ARTEK'.

Mirror

Aurinko series, designed in 1938/39.
Table: Model no. 330. Chairs: Model no. 310.
Painted birch, enamel, steel wire, brass details.

Measurements: 
Table: H. 73 Dia. 101 cm
Chairs: H. 84 W. 42 D.52 Seat h. 41 cm

Garden Furniture Set

Literautre: 
Tuukkanen, Pirkko, 'Alvar Aalto: Designer', Alvar Aalto Foundation (Vammala) 2002, p. 30.

Bent solid birch, solid birch, birch plywood.
Stamped to the underside with Helsinki city stamp.

Model E 69, designed in 1930s.
Birch, laminated birch, textile upholstery.

Photographed with set of Alvar Aalto dining table: ref. 2450

Set of Six Dining Chairs

Literature:
Tuukkanen, Pirkko, 'Alvar Aalto: Designer', Alvar Aalto Foundation (Vammala) 2002, p. 172.

Model no. 91, designed in 1933.
Birch veneer. 
Removable turning plate in the centre. 

Photographed with set of Alvar Aalto dining chairs: ref. 2303021

'Lazy Susan' Table

Literature:
Kellein, Thomas, 'Alvar & Aino Aalto Design: Collection Bischofberger', Hatje Cantz Verlag (Germany) 2005, p.98.
Tuukkanen, Pirkko, 'Alvar Aalto: Designer', Alvar Aalto Foundation (Vammala) 2002, p. 173.

Alvar Aalto

1898-1976