A rare and early Alvar Aalto Side Table, Model A71, designed in 1933 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The table was imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar and retains its original Finmar label, dating this example to between 1933 and 1938. It is an early pre-war example from the first years of Aalto furniture being introduced to the British market.

What distinguishes this particular example is its beautifully figured Karelian birch-veneered top. Karelian birch was offered as a more expensive option when the table was originally produced and examples with this finish are considerably rarer today. The distinctive figuring of the veneer gives the surface a richness and depth that contrasts beautifully with the more evenly toned birch of the frame below.

The circular top is supported on four of Aalto’s characteristic bent birch L-legs. Directly beneath is a second circular shelf, providing a practical surface for magazines, newspapers or books. Rather than being attached to the L-legs, the lower shelf is supported independently within the structure, allowing it to appear to float beneath the tabletop.

This floating shelf is one of the details we especially like about the design. The small space between the two circular surfaces, together with the softly curved L-legs and open construction below, gives the table a surprising sense of lightness while providing useful additional storage.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. Early pre-war examples retaining their original Finmar labels are difficult to find, and the Karelian birch top makes this particular example all the more unusual.

The table is presented in excellent vintage condition and retains an appropriate patina developed through decades of use. There are small dings, dents, marks and signs of age throughout, as we would expect from a piece of this period, but none detract from its overall appearance.

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.