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  5. Aalto armchair 401, birch - Polo

Aalto armchair 401, birch - Polo

Artek

Price incl. VAT and duties

Colour: Black, white, birch

Artek
Aalto armchair 401

Description

The armchair 401 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1933. As many other Aalto classics, the lightweight and streamlined armchair 401 was designed for the Paimio Sanatorium. Its calm appearance was well suited for the Sanatorium, and the high back and small wings adjoining the headrest offered privacy for the patients. Both armrests of the chair have been cut from the same piece of form-bent birch lamella, ensuring that the armchair will stay stable over time. A sprung seat makes the chair pleasant to sit on.

Still crafted from Finnish birch in traditional methods, the upholstered armchair 401 has been a part of Finnish interiors for many decades, and in the 21st century, it continues to charm new generations. The classic armchair is available in several upholstery options.

Colour
Black, white, birch
Width
62.5 cm
Depth
80 cm
Height
105 cm
Seat height
40 cm
Armrest height
57 cm
Frame material
Lacquered form-bent solid birch lamella
Seat cushion
Steel springs, PU foam, polyester
Upholstery fabric
Polo (80% wool, 20% cotton), stripe width 20 mm
Abrasion resistance
50,000 Martindale
Product ID

Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921 Alvar Aalto got the Diploma of Architecture at the Helsinki Institute of Technology and his career as an architect started. One of the most important works he was commissioned was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. This project meant also the beginning of Aalto’s career as a furniture designer – in fact, this was the first building planned by Aalto which was entirely furnished with pieces of furniture designed by Aalto himself – including the lighting as well. Other important projects completed by Alvar Aalto are the Viipuri Municipal Library, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré and the Finnish Pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Fairs.

In 1935 Alvar Aalto, together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, founded Artek, a world-renowned furniture and lighting company. The company was created "to sell furniture" – designed by Alvar Aalto – "and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means". 

One of the most ingenious innovations by Alvar Aalto is the L-leg, patented in 1933. Aalto considered his L-leg design his greatest achievement and even compared it to the invention of the architectonic column. Thanks to this innovation, the legs could be attached directly to the table, chair and stool tops. Alvar Aalto was a versatile designer whose work covered different fields. He is well-known also for his elegant lamps, which very often were designed for individual construction projects and later on adapted for the serial production. Alvar Aalto was also an esteemed glass designer and his most famous work as a glass designer is the Aalto vase (or Savoy vase) – one of the most iconic glassware pieces in Finnish design.

Would you like to read more about Alvar Aalto and his work? Discover our books:
Aalto, Alvar Aalto Homes, Alvar Aalto Libraries, Alvar Aalto Designer, Alvar Aalto – The Mark of the Hand, Alvar Aalto – A Gentler Structure for Life, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 5, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 18, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 20, Iittala, Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses, Mid-Century Modern Design, Modernist Escapes: An Architectural Travel Guide

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