ARTEK

153B Bench natural wood / L 72,5 cm - Alvar Aalto, 1945 / Slatted seat

Treat yourself to an iconic ORIGINAL work that will always retain its value, passing on to the next generation.

Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) is one of Finland's most famous architects and designers. The 153 Bench is a late addition to the L-leg collection, initiated by Alvar Aalto in the early 1930s.

As early as 1927, in close collaboration with cabinetmaker Otto Korhonen, Aalto developed a patented process for bending Solid wood at a 90° angle, which gave rise, in 1932, to the famous Aalto Base (also known as the L-leg). A minor revolution at a time still dominated by metalworking.

By inserting sheets of veneer into incisions in each leg, the Birch veneer acquires the flexibility needed to be bent into the desired L-shape. While the L-shaped base was originally conceived for the famous ''Stool 60'' designed in 1933, it quickly established itself as a characteristic element of the Artek collection: L-shaped bases of various sizes and angles are used in the construction of many stools, chairs, benches and tables in the Artek collection, from the 69 chair to the 153 bench and the Aalto table.

Once asked to assess his own importance as a designer and architect, Alvar Aalto declared that his greatest achievement was the L-leg, whose importance stemmed from the fact that it solved a very old problem - the fixing of chair and table legs - in a totally new way, the L-leg screwing directly to the seat, without any intermediate pieces, to compose a solid structure from the outset. The curves of the legs lend a certain elegance and fluidity to the furniture, making it less austere, despite its apparent simplicity.

The 153B Bench blends effortlessly into both public and private spaces. The solid birch wood seat features slots that make the bench light and easy to move. Versatile, this bench can be used as a seat in an entrance hall or around a dining table, or as a coffee table. It blends in naturally with other members of the L-shaped Base, legs family.

All ARTEK bentwood furniture is manufactured in the Turku factory in Finland, using local wood. They combine modern production methods with skilled craftsmanship and carefully selected materials.

In detail:

• Variation : Birch

• Brand : ARTEK

• Designer : Alvar Aalto

• Type : Bench

• Colour : Natural birch

• Material : Base, legs: Solid birch slats, Transparent lacquer - Slatted seat: Solid birch, Transparent lacquer - Local FSC-certified wood

• Dimensions : 72.5 x 40 cm x H 44.5 cm
• Weight : 12.1 lb
• Characteristics : Bench / Coffee table - Design icon - Designed in 1945 by Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) - Original piece signed by Artek (will always retain its value) - Handcrafted in Finland from local FSC-certified wood - Quality, durable and sturdy furniture.