A rare and unusually large early Alvar Aalto low table, dating from 1933 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku. Imported into Britain by Finmar, this is an early pre-war example.

Measuring approximately 127 cm in diameter, the table has an impressive scale for such a low piece of furniture. The large circular birch-veneered top is supported on four of Aalto’s characteristic bent birch L-legs, giving what is a substantial table a remarkably simple and open appearance.

The underside reveals much of the construction, with the four L-legs fixed to substantial intersecting wooden supports beneath the top. These structural elements are largely hidden when the table is upright, leaving the circular top and four short bent legs to define the piece.

The table was imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar during the 1930s and is an early pre-war example. Although the original Finmar label is no longer present, the original fixing pins remain to the underside where the label was once attached. Labels on early Finmar furniture are known to become detached or to have been removed over the course of their lives, and the surviving pins, together with the construction of the table, support its identification as an early Finmar example.

There is no model number that we are aware of, and we have therefore chosen simply to describe the piece as a large low or coffee table rather than attribute a model number without supporting documentation.

For us, one of the most appealing aspects of this particular table is its surface. The birch has mellowed to a deep golden-brown colour, and the large top retains a rich and wonderfully varied patina developed through decades of use. Rather than attempting to remove this, we have lightly cleaned and waxed the table, preserving as much of its age, surface and history as possible.

There are numerous marks, scratches, dings, dents, variations in colour and other signs of previous use throughout, most noticeably across the large top. These are entirely consistent with the age and history of the table and, for us, are an important part of its appeal. It is a piece that very clearly shows its life rather than one that has been heavily restored.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. The exceptional diameter, low proportions, early construction and wonderfully preserved surface make this a particularly unusual 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.