A rare and very early Alvar Aalto Library Table, Model 83, dating from 1935 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The table was imported into Britain by Finmar, the British importer and distributor of Aalto’s furniture during the 1930s, and retains its original Finmar label. Dating from the first years of Aalto furniture production, it is a very good example of the practical and highly functional furniture being produced during this period.

Constructed from birch and birch-veneered plywood, the table has a rectangular top inset with its original racing-green linoleum. The green surface provides a striking contrast with the pale birch and has developed considerable depth of colour and patina through decades of use.

The table came from a school library, although unfortunately we do not know which school. Its history is evident in the surface of the piece. Names have been scratched into the sides together with various small doodles and markings, exactly the sort of wear one might expect from a table that spent much of its life being used by generations of schoolchildren. For us, these details form an important part of the table’s history and give this particular example a character that could never be recreated.

During restoration, the table was carefully cleaned and conserved rather than over-restored. Pen marks were removed, small compass holes along the wooden surfaces were filled and numerous pieces of old chewing gum were removed. Importantly, the restoration retained the general wear, markings and wonderful patina that tell the story of the table’s long institutional use.

The table is now presented in excellent vintage condition. It remains structurally sound and highly practical, while retaining the signs of age and use that we feel are an essential part of an early piece such as this.

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.