Alvar Aalto No. 31
Finland
Developed 1931-1932
Alvar Aalto 1898 - 1976
This Rare Model No. 31 has the Plywood Seat and Back in a Red Finish
An extremely rare Model No. 31 which retains the original red colouring on the single piece of shaped plywood which forms the back and seat. It is supported by the cantilevered beech frame which was patented in 1935. A similar example with the red seat is shown in the Bischofberger collection and was made for the Paimio Sanatorium.
Aalto, a visionary of modern architecture and world renowned designer was fascinated by the properties of plywood, establishing an experimental workshop in 1929. In 1935 he founded a furniture design company, Artek and in the same year patented his cantilevered beech chair frame which supported a single piece of shaped plywood forming the seat and back. The translation of the tubular steel cantilever frame into wood resulted in this elegant armchair, No. 31 and his work was exhibited worldwide to great acclaim.
In 1934 Finmar was founded to import Aalto furniture into Britain, “The Furniture of the Future for the Homes of Today”
h 70 c w 61 cm d 70 cm
Provenance:
English Private Collection
Exhibitions:
1933: Aalto’s work was shown in London at the exhibition of Finnish design held at Fortnum and Mason.
1937: Paris Exhibition
1937: New York World Fair.
Awards:
In 1957 Aalto was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Bibliography:
Bent Wood and Metal Furniture 1850-1946 University of Washington Press edited by Derek E. Ostergard
Alvar & Aino Aalto Design Collection Bischofberger by Hatje Cantz pub.2004
Alvar & Aino Aalto Design collection Bischofberger by Hatje Cantz pub.2004
S.2500