Artek Bench 153

ARTEK BENCH 153

Designed by Alvar Aalto

Bench 153 is lightweight, versatile, and equally at home in the public and private spheres. The seat is composed of solid birch wood and features vertical recesses that make the bench light and easy to move.

Combining strength with the warm organic qualities of Finnish birch, Bench 153 pairs naturally with other members of the L-leg family.

Thanks to Aalto’s ground-breaking L-leg system, the legs can be mounted directly to the seat without the need for complicated connecting elements.Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1945, Bench 153 is a late and much beloved addition to the L-leg collection. Light and strong, Bench 153 can also be used for storage or display Versatile, Bench 153 fits effortlessly in public or private spaces

DESIGNER

ALVAR AALTO

Magus of the North

Recognised today as one of the great masters of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was born in Kuortane, Finland.

During a long and prolific career, Aalto designed buildings for almost all key public institutions, as well as standardised housing and private homes. One of the co-founders of Artek, Aalto left a legacy with lasting resonance.

Aalto’s architecture is distinctively Finnish, strongly individual, and marked by a warm humanity. His buildings derive their aesthetic character from their dynamic relationship with their natural surroundings, their human scale, superbly executed details, unique treatment of materials, and ingenious use of lighting.

Aalto began designing furnishings as a natural extension of his architectural thinking. His first modern piece of furniture was created in 1931-32 for the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. Artek was set up in 1935 to market and sell his and his wife Aino’s furniture, lighting, and textiles, particularly on international markets.

Through his innovations in form and line, Alvar Aalto’s name has also become important in the history of design. In fact, Aalto first achieved fame in Continental Europe as a furniture designer, and only later as an architect. His contribution to furniture design was among his foremost achievements in its own right. Aalto’s furniture and lighting form the heart of the Artek range.