Alvar Aalto: Furniture

A book devoted to the furniture of the noted Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is long overdue. Aalto's furniture designs are a superb example of the uncompromising spirit that has managed to overcome the boundaries of style and taste, fashion and social class. Many of his creations—some approaching their first half century—are now in greater demand than ever before and are among the outstanding examples of 20th-century furniture. The nearly 300 illustrations in this book, many in full color, document Aalto's furniture from his first known work to the latest bentwood variations by Artek Studio. Aalto's own working sketches are reproduced on tracing paper. The text opens with a preface by Juhani Pallasmaa. Igor Herler then discusses Aalto's early furniture and interior designs, including some that were previously unknown. Göran Schildt studies the evolution of Aalto's "trademark," the bentwood furniture; and Marja-Liisa Parko writes on Aalto's relation with Artek and some technical aspects of production. Elissa Aalto, Aalto's wife and partner, and Marja-Riitta Norri conclude with an essay on his fixed interior design work as an organic extension of his designs for standard furniture in a number of building types. The book also includes excerpts from Aalto's articles on interior and furniture design, a chronology of his mass-produced furniture, and a selection of Artek's standard models. Alvar Aalto Furniture was originally published by the Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki in conjunction with an exhibition devoted to Aalto's furniture and glass that has since traveled widely in the United States.