The name Artek was formed from the words "art" and "technology," which are central concepts to the modernist movement of the 1920's. In 1935, Artek was founded by four young idealists: Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl. Their mission statement was "to sell furniture and to promote a modern culture of living by exhibitions and other educational means." Today, Artek still strives to achieve a synthesis of the art and technology and improve everyday life through it's products. Its pieces not only bring modernism to Finland, but transport Alvar Aalto's Nordic principles and style to the entire world. In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture, and art.
The Artek collection boasts furniture, lighting, and accessories designed by Finnish innovatives and leading international designers. Many of the original, iconic designs are still Artek's best sellers, especially those that utilize Aalto's patented method of bending wood. Wood, particulary Finnish birch, is the primary material used in Artek designs. Forests cover the majority of the country, and because of close attention to cultivation processes, the amount of trees in Finland is actually increasing, not decreasing. Artek uses trees that have a classic grain and light tone for a traditional Nordic look. The wood is grown for 60-80 years before being harvested and dried for an additional year for the classic Stool 60 by Avlar Aalto. Artek feels that furniture should last for at least as long as the materials put into it did, and ideally longer than a lifetime and passed down generations. One Artek campaign motto, "One chair is enough," illustrates Artek's stance against throwawayism and responsible consumerism; Artek furniture is an investment.
The majority of Artek products are still made in Finland at its factory in Turku. The factory holds ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications and all wood-based materials are FSC and/or PEFC certified. While Artek stays true to the original vision of Alvar Aalto to be able to mass produce his patented designs for standardization, industrialization, and accessibility, this is combined with expert handcraftsmanship. Regional sourcing, sustainability, and safety are priorities practiced by Artek and its partners, ensuring ethical manufacture and design of the highest quality.
