Alvar Aalto for Artek

ALVAR AALTO (Kuortane, Finland, 1898–Helsinki, 1976) for Artek.
Pair of “60” stools, 1950–1960.
Wood and linoleum.
In good condition, with visible signs of wear consistent with its age and use.
Measurements: 44 x 42 x 44 cm (x2).
Pair of “60” stools designed by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto. They consist of a circular seat supported by four curved wooden legs. Their seemingly simple design is the result of research into the structural possibilities of wood and its adaptation to industrial production. The model’s main innovation lies in the so-called L-shaped leg, developed by Aalto in collaboration with furniture manufacturer Otto Korhonen and patented in 1933. Its three-legged configuration also allows the stools to be stacked vertically, reducing the space required for storage. This feature was particularly important in public and communal spaces, such as the Viipuri Library, where the model was used as an auxiliary seat. Its inclusion in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the M+ Museum in Hong Kong confirms its significance within the international heritage of 20th-century design.
An architect and designer, Alvar Aalto was part of the Modern Movement and participated in the CIAM (International Congress of Modern Architecture), founded in 1928 by Le Corbusier. He was the only architect of the Second Generation of the Modern Movement to be recognized as a “master,” thus placing him on par with Le Corbusier, Van der Rohe, and Gropius—the great masters of the Movement’s Heroic Period. In his honor, the Alvar Aalto Medal is awarded every five years in recognition of contributions to creative architecture. In addition to his undeniable role in shaping 20th-century architecture, Aalto left an indelible mark on the field of industrial design, with works such as his “Paimio” chair and his “Savoy” glasses. His work is currently featured in the world’s most prominent museums, such as MoMA in New York.