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Rare armchair / model 26 - studio reissue from the 1990s, Artek, Alvar Aalto
€4,300Bid from €3,200
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Exceptionally rare “Hybrid” armchair / Model 26 / Alvar Aalto – 1990s Atelier reissue by Artek
This chair represents the elusive 1990s Atelier reissue of Aalto’s 1932 “Hybrid” experiment. It was produced in a small, internally numbered series, likely comprising fewer than fifty pieces. Characteristic features include the untreated metal frame combined with the plywood adapter plate – a link between the 1960s Wohnbedarf series and the 2010 CNC laser-cut test run. The superbly preserved black lacquer and satin chrome finish of the frame make it one of the best-preserved examples of this series.
A single, continuous, molded birch veneer (7–9 thin layers), lacquered in deep black; measured front width 61 cm. Raw metal frame made of satin-chromed steel tubing (Ø 22 mm), welded to form a closed frame. Only the studio production of the 1990s left the tubes unpainted; the 1960s version was matte black, while the 2010 test series was bright chrome-plated and laser-engraved. The CNC-milled adapter plate made of birch plywood is screwed to the underside and bolted through to the frame – without a deep-drawn steel support. This technical solution first appears in internal Artek research documents around 1992 and disappears again after the branding run of 2010. Supplied by Artek, Helsinki (invoice & email from 2025); according to the archivist, the piece comes from a "small batch from the 1990s" that was produced for a Vitra showroom test and was never cataloged.
... A brief production history of the "Hybrid" chair made of plywood and steel by Aalto:
1932–34 – First series for the Paimio Sanatorium; approx. 60 chairs, natural or black, seat directly screwed on
1965–70 – Korhonen reissue for Wohnbedarf Zürich; matte black frame + deep-drawn steel support
1990–94 – Studio production: satin chrome-plated frame, plywood top, no branding; ≤ 50 units
2010 – CNC test run with laser branding, polished chrome finish, approx. 80 units
Stylistically, the 1990s version lies between the angular design of the 1960s and the branded 2010 series: The curved armrest is formally closer to the 1932 drawing, while the mounting plate and metal frame clearly indicate a later production date.
Materials: Molded birch veneer, black lacquered; frame made of satin chrome-plated steel tubing; birch plywood reinforcement plate; screws replaced later
Dimensions (approx.): H 73 cm × W 61 cm × D 80 cm
Estimated price: €4,300 – €5,900
Specifications
ConditionExcellentColorsBlackMaterialWood, MetalNumber of items1BrandArtekHeight73 cmWidth61 cmDepth80 cmSeat height44 cm
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Private sellerBarcelona, SpainOn Whoppah since June 2025 • 0 sales