Artek - aalto armchair 401, white

Artek 401 Lounge Chair.

The 401 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1933.

Like many other Aalto classics, the lightweight and streamlined armchair 401 was designed for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. The calm appearance suited the Sanatorium well and the high back and small wings on the headrest offered privacy for the patients. Both armrests of the chair are cut from the same piece of curved birch lamella, which was unique at the time, so that the armchair remains very stable over time. The sprung seat makes the chair pleasant and comfortable to sit on.

The upholstered armchair 401 is still made in the traditional way from Finnish birch wood and has been part of the Finnish interior for decades, also in the 21st century it continues to charm new generations.

Dimensions: Width 62.5 cm Depth 80 cm Height 105 cm Chair height 40 cm

Frame material:Natural lacquered birch, zigzag springs, polyurethane foam, polyester wadding
Upholstery fabric: Kvadrat Hallingdal: 70% virgin wool, 30% viscose
abrasion resistance: 100,000 Martindale

The designer:

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921, Alvar Aalto obtained a degree in Architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology and began his career as an architect. One of the most important works commissioned was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. This project also marked the beginning of Aalto's career as a furniture designer - in fact this was the first building planned by Aalto to be completely furnished with furniture designed by Aalto himself - including the lighting. Other major projects completed by Alvar Aalto include the Municipal Library of Viipuri, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré, and the Finnish pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Expositions.