Maija Heikinheimo & Alvar Aalto armchairs

This rare pair of armchairs, model 43, was designed by Maija Heikinheimo in collaboration with Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1950s. These chairs embody the core principles of Scandinavian modern design, emphasizing functionalism, simplicity, and an innovative approach to material use.

The frames are constructed from laminated birch, a material favored in Finnish furniture for its durability and light, natural tone. The structure is robust with a box-like form, featuring gently curved armrests that contribute to both ergonomic comfort and visual softness. The armrests are detailed with leather wrapping, which serves both as a tactile accent and an aesthetic enhancement. The backrest and seat are upholstered in the original warm brown leather, which has aged gracefully, developing a rich patina over time. Both seat and backrest are molded for ergonomic support, reflecting Aalto’s commitment to human-centered design.

Maija Heikinheimo, an accomplished Finnish architect and designer, worked closely with Alvar Aalto, one of the leading figures in modernist architecture and furniture design. Aalto was renowned for pioneering bentwood techniques and integrating organic, human-centric forms into functional objects. His co-founding of Artek in 1935 marked a significant influence on Scandinavian modernism, with many of his designs continuing to be produced today.

These armchairs are exemplary of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship and reflect Aalto’s philosophy of harmonizing natural materials with modernist design. Manufactured by Artek, known for its dedication to quality and preservation of Aalto’s design legacy, the chairs remain in good vintage condition. The leather upholstery shows natural wear, including creases, patina, and minor surface marks that contribute to the piece’s authenticity. The birch frames exhibit slight wear with subtle scratches and marks but retain full structural integrity.

Each chair measures approximately 62 cm in width, 60 cm in depth, and 75 cm in height (24.4 x 23.6 x 29.5 inches), with a seat height of 43 cm (16.9 inches).