Furniture making firm Artek was established by meeting of designers and spouses Alvar Aalto and Aino Aalto with their friend art historian Nils-Gustav Hahl. It was him who then introduced the couple to art collector Marie Gullichsen and together, they founded Artek. A brand from mid-30’s, which aim is, in addition to selling quality furniture, determine a new way of modern life with household equipment.
For the name of their company, they chose a word that does not come from Finnish, byt was created by combining two words – art and technology. From the very beginning, the Artek brand became known mainly thanks to the use of wood bending. You can read about the story of Aaltos on our blog.
Nowadays, the Artek brand includes not only furniture, lightning and accesories from the Aalto couple, but also designs by world famous creatosr such as Ilmari Tapiovaar, Shiger Ban, Hella Jongerius, Harri Koskinenen, Enzo Mari a Tobias Rehberger.
The most recognizable designs includes, for example, the Chair 65 or a piece originally created for the kitchen of its designer – the Rocket Bar Stool. Last but nod least the Mademoiselle armchairs or the A331 or A110 luminaires. In 2013, the Artek brand became part of the Vitra Group.
More on artek.fi.
