Finnish, 1898−1976
Paimio armchair #41
Manufactured by Artek Oy Ab, Helsinki
Solid birch, bent and laminated; lacquered bent plywood, 1987
64 x 60 x 86 cm
Purchase, Palevsky Fund
Accession number:
B87.0958
Arts/Design and Architecture
The Paimio armchair is from a line of furniture commissioned for the Paimio Tuberculosis Sanatorium in western Finland, designed by Aalto in 1929. The back of the chair was inclined to help sitters breathe more easily. Several layers of veneer were thinned in order to allow for greater pliancy at the seat and back, enabling the scrolled forms. Although inspired by Marcel Breuer’s Wassily chair, Aalto preferred to work in natural materials such as Finnish birch.
Exhibitions:
The Design and Architecture Collection, Selected Works, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 25/07/2010 - 31/12/2010
