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About Artek

About Artek

Artek was founded in 1935 by 4 forward thinking modernists. The companies foundation was built on the idea of - "selling furniture and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means." The founders of Artek advocated a new kind of environment for everyday life. Their designs look so recognisable now but at the time were revolutionary. A favourite of ours is the simple 60 Stool and the A330S Pendant Light.

How Artek make things

Artek furniture is produced in line with Alvar Aalto’s founding vision: to blend modern manufacturing with skilled craftsmanship and thoughtfully chosen materials. Ethical production, local sourcing, and safety are at the heart of Artek’s approach, shared by both the company and its trusted partners, ensuring high-quality products that are built to last.

The majority of Artek pieces are made in Finland using locally sourced wood. While some items are crafted from pine, one of over 20 native tree species found in Finnish forests, most are made from birch. This Finnish birch is grown, harvested, and processed nearby, following a carefully managed path from forest to finished furniture. Just as every tree bears its own distinct markings, each Artek piece has unique characteristics. These natural variations make each item truly one of a kind, reflecting the individuality of the tree it came from.

artek stories

alvar aalto

Widely regarded as one of the great pioneers of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was born in Kuortane, Finland. Over the course of a long and influential career, he designed a wide range of buildings from major public institutions to private residences and standardized housing. Aalto’s approach to architecture naturally extended into furniture and interior design. Alongside his wife, Aino Aalto, he began creating furniture as an integral part of his architectural vision.

Artek remains a powerful testament to Alvar Aalto’s enduring legacy and design philosophy. Aalto’s furniture and lighting form the heart of the Artek range. See Aaltos designs here.

the iconic stool 60

Alvar Aalto’s legendary Stool 60 is a masterclass in simplicity, versatile enough to serve as a seat, side table, storage solution, or display surface. Rooted in modernist principles and Finnish craftsmanship, its enduring legacy stems from Aalto’s vision of a universal object crafted entirely from native birch. Since its debut in 1933, the stool has remained largely unchanged in both material and design, yet it continues to feel timeless and relevant.

Composed of just a few essential parts, Stool 60 is designed for flat-pack shipping, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Thanks to the unique grain and character of each piece of birch, every stool becomes one of a kind, acquiring a beautiful patina and graceful wear with age.

Stool 60 is one of our personal favourites, you can see it here in our house with our other pieces designed by Artek.

shop stool 60

About Artek

Artek was founded in 1935 by 4 forward thinking modernists. The companies foundation was built on the idea of - "selling furniture and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means." The founders of Artek advocated a new kind of environment for everyday life. Their designs look so recognisable now but at the time were revolutionary. A favourite of ours is the simple 60 Stool and the A330S Pendant Light.

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