Image source: Artek — Armchair 401
© Artek and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Armchair 401
Alvar Aalto's high-back cantilever armchair with a sprung seat, dated 1933
625 × 1050 × 800 mm
1933
Finland
Approx. $3,500 (reference price; varies by region and retailer)
Official product information
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Description
Overview
Armchair 401 is a high-back cantilever armchair by Alvar Aalto that Artek dates 1933. Its frame is form-bent solid birch lamella and the seat and back are upholstered.
Image source: Artek — Armchair 401 · © Artek and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy
Construction
The armrests are cut from a single piece of lamella; the seat is sprung and the back tilts slightly to support the head and neck.
Specifications
- Width: 62.5 cm; depth: 80 cm; height: 105 cm (read by position, not labelled on the drawing)
- Frame: form-bent solid birch lamella; four finishes
- Upholstery: fabric or leather, twelve versions on the page
- Origin: Finland
Story
From the Triennale
Artek's factsheet says Armchair 401 was introduced at the Milan Triennale in 1933 and has been considered one of the most comfortable armchairs ever designed.
A colour concept
In 2014 Hella Jongerius added a colour concept of stained wood and structured fabrics to Aalto's model, and Artek's archive page lists the chair among the products she has reworked in limited editions.
More by Alvar Aalto
Chair 611
Alvar Aalto's stackable birch chair with a linen webbing seat and back, dated 1929
Armchair 402
Alvar Aalto's cantilever armchair with a cushioned seat, shown at Milan in 1933
Chair 65
Alvar Aalto's low-backed birch chair with a round seat, dated 1935
Lounge Chair 43
Alvar Aalto's cantilevered birch lounge chair with linen webbing, dated 1937