Alvar Aalto 1898–1976
Born in Kuortane, Finland, in 1898, Alvar Aalto began his formal training studying architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology. It was here that he met his future wife and collaborator, Aino Marsio who was also an architectural student in the program. The two were married in 1924. In 1929, Aalto won a competition to design a new sanatorium in Paimio for patients convalescing from tuberculosis; a total Gesamtkunstwerk, Aalto designed everything at Paimio, from the chairs to the sinks, to create a soothing and sanitary environment for the patients. In 1932, Aalto’s architectural drawings were featured in the landmark Modern Architecture: International Exhibition which was curated by Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock and included the latest architectural innovations from around the globe. In 1935, Alvar and Aino Aalto, Nils-Gustav Hahl, and Maire Gullichsen formed the design company, Artek. In addition to a focus on practicality, the work of Artek is marked by its use of light-colored woods, organic forms, and biomorphic lines. Though, many of Aalto’s designs were imbued with playful elements like zebra prints and reindeer fur or bright pops of colored paint on the seats of his three-legged stools.
In 1936, Aalto won the Karhula-Iittala Glass Design Competition for the flowing and animated shape of his glass vase design and the following year he was invited to design the Finnish Pavilion at the World’s Fair in Paris. His organic pavilion design won him international acclaim, and it led to a large retrospective of his work at the Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1938. Later in his architectural career, Aalto would take on urban planning with his designs for the city centers of Seinäjoki and Rovaniemi in Finland. Aalto passed away in 1976, but he is renowned for his objects and buildings that combined the modernist style with an outstanding and authentic Finnish aesthetic.
Auction Results Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto
Rare high back chair, model 402
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $40,000
Alvar Aalto
Cantilever dining chairs model #21, set of eight
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result: $39,600
Alvar Aalto
Cantilever dining chairs model #21, set of eight
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $34,000
Alvar Aalto
Beehive ceiling lamp, model A331
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $22,500
Alvar Aalto
Tank chairs model 37/400, set of three
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $20,000
Alvar Aalto
floor lamp, model A808
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $20,000
Alvar Aalto
Cantilevered armchairs model 34/402, pair
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $17,500
Alvar Aalto
armchair, model #41
estimate: $12,000–15,000
result: $15,600
Alvar Aalto
an early Paimio Sanatorium lounge chair, model 41
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $15,210
Alvar Aalto
Beehive ceiling lamp, model A331
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $15,000
Alvar Aalto
shelf, model 111
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $13,750
Alvar Aalto
Model 63 convertible sofa
estimate: $6,000–8,000
result: $12,980
Alvar Aalto
Tank lounge chairs model 37/400, pair
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $12,500
Alvar Aalto
dish, model #9767
estimate: $4,000–5,000
result: $12,000
Alvar Aalto
shelf, model 111
estimate: $5,000–7,000
result: $11,875
Alvar Aalto
collection of ten wall shelves
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $11,875