900' tea trolley designed by Alvar Aalto
Object No. 97/317/1
This laminated and ply birch wood, ceramic, plastic and cane tea trolley, '900', was designed by Alvar Aalto and made in Finland by Artek between 1935 and 1936. It was made for the Aalto-designed Finnish Pavilion at the 1937 Paris World Fair. One of the greats of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) sought a humanising design ethic. His interest in organic forms, combined with new wood-bending technologies, resulted in a range of bent ply and laminated wood furniture that still appears modern today. Scandinavian designers developed a humanising form of modernism by introducing organic design. Turning away from steel and geometry in favour of traditional materials and natural forms, 'Scandinavian modern' emerged in the 1930s. Furniture and glass designed by renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, were among the most striking examples.
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Summary
Object Statement
Tea trolley, '900', laminated and ply birch wood / ceramic / plastic / cane / rubber, designed by Alvar Aalto, made by Artek, Finland, 1935-1936, used in Finnish Pavilion at the 1937 Paris World Fair
Physical Description
Tea trolley of solid and laminated birch, the tray top inset with white ceramic tiles, supported by two continuous curved birch frames connected by a birch rod handle above a woven cane basket; the lower horizontal section of each shaped frame with a large plastic laminate, rubber-ringed wheel connected by a birch stretcher.
DIMENSIONS
Height
687 mm
Width
588 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed by Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976). Made by Artek, Helsinki, Finland. Designed between 1936 and 1937 and in continuous production since by Artek.
HISTORY
Notes
This design originally displayed at the World's Fair, Paris, 1937. Gift of manufacturer facilitated by the Sydney agent for Artek, Anibou.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Artek, Finland, 1997
Acquisition Date
27 November 1997
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