An early Alvar Aalto Model 34 armchair, designed in 1933 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The chair was imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar and retains its original Finmar label, dating this example to between 1933 and 1938. The surviving label is an important detail and places the chair firmly within the early period of Aalto furniture being introduced to the British market.

The construction is beautifully simple. A continuous laminated birch frame forms the arms, legs and supports for the seat, with the sweeping curves of the bent wood giving the chair its distinctive profile. The upholstered seat and back sit within the frame, providing a soft contrast to the pale birch structure.

The birch has developed a warm colour and good surface patina through decades of use. The wood has been carefully cleaned and waxed, preserving the original surface and the small marks and variations that have developed with age. The frame shows the signs of age and use that we would expect from an early chair of this period, but not abuse.

The chair has been professionally reupholstered in Pierre Frey Judith Bocule fabric. The textured upholstery works especially well against the aged birch and gives the chair a very different character while remaining sympathetic to the simplicity of Aalto’s original design.

The chair is presented in excellent vintage condition. The frame is structurally sound and retains the character and patina that we would want to see in an early example.

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.