Bowl, Alvar Aalto Collection, Alvar Aalto, Iittala

Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto (1898–1976). One of the most influential architects and designers of the twentieth century, Alvar Aalto transformed modernism by placing nature, humanity and everyday life at the centre of design. After graduating in architecture from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1921, he developed a multidisciplinary career spanning architecture, furniture, lighting and glass, becoming Finland's most internationally recognised designer. Rather than following the strict geometric principles of early modernism, Aalto created a warmer, more human-centred design language inspired by the Finnish landscape, natural materials and the way people experience everyday spaces. Working closely with furniture manufacturer Otto Korhonen, he pioneered innovative bentwood techniques that revolutionised modern furniture design and led to the founding of Artek in 1935 together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. His most celebrated glass creation, the Savoy Vase, designed for the 1936 Karhula-Iittala design competition and introduced at the 1937 Paris World Fair, became one of the world's most recognisable glass objects through its flowing organic form. Today, Aalto's architecture, furniture and glass continue to define the international image of Finnish design, admired for their timeless balance of innovation, craftsmanship and human-centred functionality.

(Photo source: Alvar Aalto Foundation)