Collection by Diana Budds

A Timeline of Furniture and Lighting by Artek

Swiss brand Vitra has announced that it purchased Artek in a move to bring more global exposure to the iconic Finnish design house. Ever since Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl founded the company in 1935, Artek has been known for creating furniture and lighting in modern expressions ranging from the sinewy forms of Aalto's Paimio armchair to the rational minimalist shelving by contemporary designer Naoto Fukasawa. To celebrate the over 75 years of the company's history, we've created a timeline of 10 favorite pieces produced by Artek. Missing your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.

1932Armchair 41 by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1932Armchair 41 by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1936Tea Trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1936Tea Trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1940Lounge chair by Kaj Franck for Artek.
1940Lounge chair by Kaj Franck for Artek.
1950A338 Pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1950A338 Pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1952

A110 Pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1952 A110 Pendant light by Alvar Aalto for Artek.
1960Kiki Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek.
1960Kiki Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek.
1969JL341 Pendant light by Juha Leiviskä for Artek.
1969JL341 Pendant light by Juha Leiviskä for Artek.
1995

Rocket by Eero Aarnio for Artek.
1995 Rocket by Eero Aarnio for Artek.
2009Shelving System by Naoto Fukasawa for Artek.
2009Shelving System by Naoto Fukasawa for Artek.
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