ALVAR AALTO

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is the most prestigious Finnish architect of the last century, and the father of Nordic Modernism. He once said: God created paper for the purpose of drawing architecture on it. Everything else is at least for me an abuse of paper. Aalto s Modernism entailed the use of natural materials, warm colors, and undulating lines, and he is considered an important early exponent of Organic Design as a result. Of his desing work outside of architecture, Aalto s vases, lamps, glassware and laminated bent-plywood furniture (pioneered and produced through the design company he co-founded, Artek are equally esteemed. Iconic pieces include the Savoy Vase, the Paimio Chair and the Beehive Lamp. This monograph on Aalto s highly collectible furniture designs expands, our understanding of the diverse abilities of this influential architect/designer.