A rare original set of four Alvar Aalto Model 11 stacking chairs, designed in 1932 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The chairs were imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar and, remarkably, all four retain their original Finmar labels. The four chairs come from the same collection and have always remained together as a set. As a result, they have developed a wonderfully consistent, strong patina and golden-brown colour across all four chairs.

Constructed from laminated birch with birch-veneered plywood seats and backs, the Model 11 is an especially interesting early example of Aalto’s experiments with bent and laminated timber. The front legs continue upwards to form the supports for the seat, while the rear legs curve gently into the backrest, giving the chair a simple and remarkably economical construction.

One of the most successful aspects of the design is the way the chairs stack. Each chair fits closely over the one below, allowing the complete set of four to occupy little more floor space than a single chair. Seen stacked together, the repetition of the curved laminated birch frames also reveals the construction of the chair particularly clearly.

The chairs have aged beautifully and retain a strong, remarkably consistent surface across the complete set. The birch has mellowed to a rich golden-brown colour through decades of use. They have been lightly cleaned and waxed rather than heavily restored, preserving the patina, age and history of the pieces.

There are numerous small scratches, dings, dents, areas of wear and variations in colour throughout, all appropriate for chairs of this age. For us, these signs of use are an important part of their character and something we would want to preserve on such an early set.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. Finding an original set of four early Model 11 chairs that have always remained together is unusual, and the remarkably consistent patina across the complete set is something we especially like about these chairs.

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.