• Model 91 Dining Table/ Alvar Aalto for Artek/ Finland, 1933
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design, shown here with Thonet bentwood dining chairs.
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design.
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design.
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design.
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design.
  • A rare and early example of Nordic modernism, this round Model 91 dining table by Alvar Aalto features a black linoleum top and birch legs. Designed for Finmar and Artek, this table exemplifies the clean lines and functional elegance of mid-century Nordic design.
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Model 91 Dining Table
Alvar Aalto for Artek
Finland, 1933

£6,500

Description:

A Model 91 dining table designed in 1933 by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) and manufactured by Artek, the furniture company founded by Aalto in Helsinki in 1935. Regarded as one of the world's most influential and well-known Nordic designers, Alvar Aalto was one of the most crucial proponents of organic design in the twentieth century and his use of natural materials and his fascination with organic forms have become quintessential symbols of Finnish design. 

The table is constructed simply from laminated birch and retains the original black linoleum top, a surface synonymous with the designs of Aalto. This rich, matt surface contrasts the lightly patinated birch frame and is a practical yet elegant surface suited to everyday use. 

The design of the Model 91 table also utilised Aalto's patented "L-Leg". Referred to by Aalto as “the little sister of the architectural column", the distinctive curves of the "L-Leg" were not only groundbreaking in terms of their appearance, the construction of the bent, laminated strips meant that the "L- Leg" was both visually striking in the spareness of its construction, yet also deceptively strong. 

Aalto first applied to patent this innovative design on November 8th, 1933. However, keen eyes will observe that the small metal label, tucked beneath the braces of this table, reads "patent applied for", meaning that this table is a rare, early example of Aalto's infamous design prior to its patent. This label also features the registered design number, 787811-19, and the name "Finmar", the company responsible for distributing designs by Artek. 

A true piece of design history and an exceptional example of one of Alvar Alto's more recognisable designs. A functional classic that is both elegant and practical.

The last two images in this series showcase the Model 91 table with a set of four No. 811 chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann.

Specifications:

Height: 72 cm
Diameter: 126.7 cm
Materials: Birch and Black Linoleum
Design Period: 1930s
Place of Origin: Finland
Designer: Alvar Aalto
Manufacturer: Artek

Service Update
All orders placed before December 24th will be shipped immediately. Orders placed between the 25th December - 3rd January will be shipped from the 4th January 2021.

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