A rare original pair of early Alvar Aalto Paimio Club Chairs, Model 44, designed in 1932 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The chairs were imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar and both retain their original Finmar labels. The two chairs have always remained together as a pair and share the same beautifully aged surface and patina.

The Model 44 is distinguished by its continuous laminated birch frames, which form the arms before sweeping down around the sides of the chair and continuing along the floor. The upholstered seat and back sit within this structure, giving the chairs a substantial and comfortable presence while the open birch frames keep the design visually light. Seen from the side and rear, the simplicity of the construction is especially clear.

The frames have developed a rich golden-brown colour through decades of use. Rather than attempting to remove this, they have been carefully cleaned and waxed, retaining the variation in colour and surface that has developed naturally over more than ninety years.

The chairs have been fully reupholstered in linen. As part of the restoration, the internal springs and padding were also replaced, allowing the chairs to be comfortably used while leaving the original wooden frames and their surfaces intact. We like the contrast between the clean, natural linen and the warmth and age of the birch.

The wooden frames are in very good vintage condition with no major damage. There are the usual small dings, dents, scratches, areas of wear and variations in colour that we would expect from furniture of this age. These have deliberately been retained rather than over-restored and form an important part of the character of the pair.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. Finding an original pair of early Model 44 chairs that have remained together, both retaining their Finmar labels and with such well-preserved original wooden surfaces, is unusual.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.