A rare pair of early Alvar Aalto Model 60 stools, dating from the 1930s and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The stools were retailed in Britain by Bowman Brothers and both retain their original Bowman Brothers ink stamps, identifying them as 1930s examples retailed in Britain. The surviving stamps are an especially nice detail and provide an important link to the early history of Aalto furniture in Britain.

Each stool retains its original black-painted circular top, supported on three of Aalto’s characteristic bent birch L-legs. The edge of each seat retains its original finger-jointed construction, a small but beautifully executed detail that is characteristic of these early examples. The simple three-legged construction also allows the stools to be stacked neatly when not in use. The contrast between the dark painted surfaces and the warm birch gives the stools a very different appearance from the more familiar natural birch versions of the Model 60.

We purchased the stools together with the Alvar Aalto Model 81 table shown in the final photograph. The table retains its original Finmar label, while the stools carry their Bowman Brothers ink stamps. The pieces share the same provenance and have remained together for many years, developing a remarkably similar colour and patina. The Model 81 table is available separately; please see our other Alvar Aalto pieces for the full listing. When used together, the pieces form a particularly attractive small dining or café set.

The stools have aged beautifully. The birch has mellowed to a rich golden-brown colour, while the original black-painted tops retain the wear and patina developed through decades of use. There are small areas of paint loss to the tops, together with minor scratches, dings, dents and marks throughout, all appropriate for stools of this age. Despite this honest wear, they remain a remarkably original and highly attractive pair. For us, these signs of use are an important part of their character and something we would want to retain on early examples such as these.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. Early Model 60 stools with their original painted surfaces and surviving British retailer stamps are pieces we are always pleased to come across.

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.