A rare original pair of early Alvar Aalto Model 31 Cantilever Armchairs, designed in 1931 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku.

The chairs were imported and distributed in Britain by Finmar and both retain their original Finmar labels. Having remained together as a pair, they share a closely matched colour, surface and patina and are very good examples of Aalto’s early pre-war furniture produced for the British market.

The Model 31 is one of Aalto’s most distinctive early experiments with the cantilever principle in laminated birch. Each chair is constructed around two continuous laminated-birch side frames, which extend along the floor before curving upwards to form the arms and support the seat without conventional rear legs. Between them sits the moulded plywood seat and back, creating a remarkably open construction in which the structure of the chair remains clearly visible.

The moulded plywood seats and backs retain their original black-painted finish, providing a strong contrast with the warm birch frames. The black surfaces have developed a rich patina through use, with areas of wear, small losses and flakes to the original paint, together with scratches, dings and dents. We have deliberately left these surfaces untouched rather than attempting to repaint or refinish them.

The laminated-birch frames have been carefully cleaned and waxed and have mellowed to a warm golden-brown colour. No structural repairs or restoration have been required, and both chairs remain strong and structurally sound. The original surfaces have simply been preserved rather than repolished or over-restored.

There are the usual small marks, scratches, dings, dents and variations in colour throughout both chairs. None are especially prominent or out of place on chairs dating from the 1930s, and for us these signs of use are an important part of their character. The closely matched wear across the pair gives them the appearance we would hope to find in two early chairs that have remained together.

We have dealt in Alvar Aalto furniture for many years and have also collected his work ourselves. Finding an original pair of Model 31 chairs that have remained together, both with their Finmar labels, original black-painted surfaces and unrestored laminated-birch frames, is unusual. For us, the combination of the worn black surfaces and warm aged birch is one of the most appealing aspects of this pair.

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.