Artek’s Y61 stool is the apple of Pinja Forsman’s eye
Interior design stylist Pinja Forsman has a soft spot for classic design.
PINJA FORSMAN: “I had dreamt for years of the Y61 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and even had a spot reserved for it in my apartment, but this discontinued beauty made of rattan and birch remained beyond my reach. Every time I managed to find one at an online auction, the price rose too high.
Finally, I ran into a Y61 stool by chance at Artek’s 2nd Cycle shop. Not all of their furniture is for sale, so I asked the staff if I could buy the piece. Luckily, the answer was yes, and the stool returned with me to occupy a spot of its very own.
Alvar Aalto designed the Y61 stool in 1947. The design of its Y-shaped legs is based on the iconic L-leg.
“Buying items second-hand is a rational form of consumption, but to be honest, I find old design more beautiful than new objects anyway.”
One of the stool’s seat materials was rattan that gains a beautiful patina over time.
Pinja Forsman had dreamed of the Y61 stool for years before finding one by chance.
In my home, the Y61 serves as a side table under a lamp, as the twined seat is too fragile for sitting. This doesn’t bother me – on the contrary. I prefer to buy my furniture second-hand; my home also includes inherited objects, such as armchairs and a dresser. Buying items second-hand is a rational form of consumption, but to be honest, I find old design more beautiful than new objects anyway.
I find that the timeless and international design language of Artek’s and Aalto’s furniture speaks to me. It is classic design that fits in smoothly with the present day and a wide range of environments.”
What is Franckly?
• Franckly.com is a new online marketplace for pre-owned design
• Created and curated by Finnish Design Shop
• Buy and sell pre-owned design treasures: Franckly.com >
See also:
• Furniture designed by Alvar Aalto >
• All Artek furniture at Franckly >
Text and photos: Suvi Kesäläinen
Published on 8 Sep, 2020
