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 identifies the chair as an early pre-war example from the first years 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 birch structure.

The frame has developed the colour and patina we would hope to find on an early chair of this age. The birch has been carefully cleaned and waxed rather than over-restored, preserving the original surface, small marks and variations that have developed through decades of use.

We have had the chair professionally reupholstered in Eleanor Pritchard Signal fabric. The geometric woven textile works especially well with the simple lines and curved birch frame of the chair, while giving this particular example its own character.

The chair is presented in excellent vintage condition. The frame is structurally sound and shows the signs of age and use that we would expect from a piece of this period, while retaining an excellent 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.