2x Chair 54, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, c. 1940s

A pair of chair 54s, with frames precisely the same as the plywood-seated Hallway chair 51 that Aalto designed for The Paimio Sanitorium. Aalto designed a few modified versions including this more comfortable cushioned version. Originally the chairs were covered in woven paper string, dating these chairs to the Second World War when other fabrics became unavailable.

Unfortunately the paper string material had worn away in areas and so we had them reupholstered in navy blue linen. This model was used in a few student accommodation projects in the United States during and after the War period.

Condition:

Perfect structurally, frame refinished and newly upholstered in blue linen.

Image:

Baker House Senior Dormitory MIT, 1948 (photo: Ezra Stoller)

ARTEK and the AALTOS, Bard Graduate Centre, 2016