Chair 65 by Alvar Aalto 1935, Made in Finland by Artek

Clean lines and a simple structure define the design of Chair 65.

A low, rectangular backrest is formed from a single piece of birch plywood and has a slight curve that forms naturally to the back, offering comfort and support. The height of the backrest allows for the chair to be pushed under a table or desk. The distinctive circular seat and L-shaped legs are part of Alvar Aalto’s standardised system of component

Artek’s chair number 65 was designed in 1935, and is one of the many dining chairs designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1930’s. Made of a single piece of birchwood veneer, the backrest is lower than usual as well as slightly curved, making the chair comfortable to sit on.

The L-leg structure is achieved by sawing a piece of straight, solid birch open at the end in the direction of the fibres, forming the shape of a fan. Thin pieces of plywood are then glued into the grooves. This structure makes it possible to bend the wood by heating or steaming the desired angle and, when completely dry, the strong structure can be attached directly to the seat.

Price per chair.

Made in Finland

Dimensions: W: 35 x D: 40 x H: 68 cm. Seat H: 45.5 cm

Colour: White HPL (High-pressure laminate)

Legs and seat edge-band: Solid birch

Seat core : Solid birch, Birch plywood

Backrest: Form-pressed birch plywood

Condition: Very good preowned condition. These items are free of significant visible marks and show only minimal signs of wear. They are the next best thing to buying new, representing huge cost savings on rare and sought-after pieces. Verified Authentic.

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Alvar Aalto

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. 

Other important projects completed by Alvar Aalto are the Viipuri Municipal Library, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré and the Finnish Pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Fairs.

In 1935 Alvar Aalto, together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, founded Artek, a world-renowned furniture and lighting company. The company was created "to sell furniture" – designed by Alvar Aalto – "and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means". 

One of the most ingenious innovations by Alvar Aalto is the L-leg, patented in 1933. Aalto considered his L-leg design his greatest achievement and even compared it to the invention of the architectonic column. Thanks to this innovation, the legs could be attached directly to the table, chair and stool tops. Alvar Aalto was a versatile designer whose work covered different fields. He is well-known also for his elegant lamps, which very often were designed for individual construction projects and later on adapted for the serial production. Alvar Aalto was also an esteemed glass designer and his most famous work as a glass designer is the Aalto vase (or Savoy vase) – one of the most iconic glassware pieces in Finnish design.