Aino Aalto Lighting

Aino Aalto Finland, 1941 Red painted metal ceiling light with perforated brass ring. About Finnish architect Aino Aalto (1894-1949) graduated from Helsinki Polytechnic in 1920. She joined Finnish architect Alvar Aalto’s studio in 1924 and married Aalto shortly after. The Aaltos collaborated on several projects including the celebrated Savoy vase, and from 1935 Aino Aalto became the head designer and later the managing director at the couples company, Artek. Aino’s background was that of a strict functionalist, and she aimed at a clear and simple style; in her view, the aesthetic side could only be reached by clear, simple and practical solutions. A versatile designer, she specialized in interior design, but was also active in textiles and ceramics and showed a particular affinity for glass. Her architectural exhibitions for Artek received the Gran Prix at the 1936 Milan Triennial and at the same competition Aino also won the gold medal for her “Aalto Glasses”, inspired by the circles created by throwing rocks in the water...

1940s Aino Aalto 'AMA 500' pendant light. Executed in enameled aluminum and brass for Valaistustyö Ky Finland, circa 1941. Signed with impressed manufacturer'...