This original Finnish shelving unit is a design by Alvar Aalto, Model 111, designed in 1933. The piece of furniture displays the distinctive bentwood technique that defines Aalto's work and is an early example of Scandinavian modernism.
The cabinet is crafted from birch wood and has a warm, brown color. The design consists of three levels, with the shelves supported by characteristic curved wooden uprights. The two shelves are adjustable. The construction demonstrates the innovative approach to plywood and bentwood that Aalto pioneered. A stamp on the underside confirms the provenance and dating.
The furniture was produced by the Swedish factory Svenska Artek. The oval stamp with the letters BS stands for Bröderna Sjöberg (the Sjöberg brothers), the specific furniture makers/subcontractors in Sweden who manufactured these bentwood furniture pieces for Artek at the time. The stamp bears the production date: January 11, 1967.
The furniture is in good condition commensurate with its age and use. The wood has developed an authentic patina that contributes to the character of this historic piece.
This shelving unit is a functional and historically valuable object that fits well in a Scandinavian or mid-century modern interior. It offers a stylish solution for displaying books or decorative objects in a living room or study.
The encyclopedia in the shelving unit (Oosthoek's 1923) is a bonus for the buyer.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1BrandArtekHeight71 cmWidth101 cmDepth30 cmSigns of usageDiscoloring, Scratches