Model 60 Alvar Aalto Stool Circa 1930S

Model 60 Alvar Aalto Stool Circa 1930s

- All prices inc UK shipping
- All prices inc VAT
- Birch bentwood legs
- Birch seat
- Original screws
- Model 60
- Designed by Alvar Aalto
- Distributed in the UK by Finmar
- Finnish ~ 1930s
- 40cm wide x 44cm tall

Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto is proof that modernism doesn’t have to feel like you’re living in a cold, industrial box. His designs? Warm, inviting, and perfectly imperfect in all the right ways. Whether it’s a building that seems to hug its surroundings or a chair that’s as comfortable as it is iconic, Aalto had this knack for blending practicality with a dash of magic.

Born in 1898 in the quiet Finnish town of Kuortane, Alvar Aalto wasn’t exactly surrounded by bustling cities or cutting-edge design. What he did have was nature—endless forests, serene lakes, and landscapes that inspired his organic approach to design. Aalto’s knack for harmonizing modernism with the natural world was shaped by this environment from the start.

After studying architecture at the Helsinki Institute of Technology, Aalto set up his first practice in Jyväskylä. Early in his career, he leaned toward Nordic Classicism, but by the late 1920s, his work took a turn. He embraced modernist principles but gave them his signature twist: warmth and humanity.

Behind every great designer is someone who keeps them grounded, inspired, and, let’s be honest, on track. For Alvar Aalto, that person was Aino Marsio, his equally talented wife and creative partner. Aino wasn’t just there to cheer him on—she was an architect and designer in her own right, bringing a keen eye for detail and a softer touch to their projects.

In 1935, the couple co-founded Artek, a furniture company that didn’t just make pieces—it created an entirely new design philosophy. The Alvar Aalto aesthetic we know today wouldn’t exist without Aino’s contributions. Together, they made functional furniture beautiful and modern design approachable, all while sprinkling in a bit of that effortless Finnish charm.

By the 1930s, Alvar Aalto was stepping fully into his own style, leaving behind the rigid lines of Nordic Classicism and embracing the modernist movement—but on his terms. While other architects focused on sharp angles and stark materials, Aalto introduced curves, natural elements, and a sense of warmth that made his designs feel alive.

During this period, Aalto also pushed boundaries with plywood and bentwood furniture, creating timeless pieces like the Stool 60. His work during this era wasn’t simply relegated to aesthetics—it redefined how people interact with design in their everyday lives.

Condition Report

Lightly restored with a light wax applied to the wood, no major damage

As with all of our products this product is an original piece and has lived a life before it arrived at Otto's HQ. It has been sympathetically restored by the Otto's team to ensure it has a life for many more years to come. All of our products will show signs of patina and cosmetic wear, this we believe is what gives our products their unique charm. If you have any further questions regarding the condition of this product or any others please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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