Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60 is the most elemental of furniture pieces, equally suitable as a seat, a table, storage unit, or display surface. Born of modernist ideals and Finnish innovation, its great legacy and continued relevance owe much to Alvar Aalto's original vision for a universal object made entirely from native birch. Remaining in continuous production since 1933, Stool 60 has barely changed in either material or form, yet it continues to transcend both time and fashion.

With this minimum of components Stool 60 is flat-packed, making transport both economical and ecological. Through the timber's individual features and natural beauty, each stool gains its own unique character, developing a rich patina and ageing with grace over the years.

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921 Alvar Aalto got the Diploma of Architecture at the Helsinki Institute of Technology and his career as an architect started. One of the most important works he was commissioned was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. This project meant also the beginning of Aalto’s career as a furniture designer – in fact, this was the first building planned by Aalto which was entirely furnished with pieces of furniture designed by Aalto himself – including the lighting as well. 

Artek was founded in Helsinki in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Their goal was “to sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means.” In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek today remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture, and art.