Aalto stool: Is this genuine? (pics)
I was given this Aalto stool last night at a party in London

There are no manufacturers markings on it I have checked the Artek site and there is nothing similar listed

the top measures 340mm in diameter and it is 300mm in height

The closest listed is the NE60 which measures 380mm in height and 380mm in diameter

Although its pretty beat up its still very sturdy, it does look like a genuine ply construction however the veneer is missing and damaged in several places

Could this be a genuine piece or the more likely reproduction?

I think it is
Either by Artek or Thonet

Artek
Pete, I've got 8 Aalto Artek stools (all 3 legged) bought with in the last 10 years and they all look just like yours, except for the height. The measurements are 346 diameter of the top and 440 height from top to floor.

Looks like someone cut yours down. The ends of the legs on mine are slightly faceted on all 4 sides.

If you like it, and want more try Scandium. I know we are supposed to like vintage best but I really like these stools, (which are very useful) and think they look better not too beaten up looking

Definitely Aalto - judging...
Definitely Aalto - judging by the finish and crosshead screws probably 70s onwards. If the bottom of the legs are nicely bevelled its a child sized stool, if cut off square its been trimmed. Aalto stool legs are not actually plywood (whereas the Thonet stools pictured are)Aalto achieved his leg bend with kerf joints i.e. the leg is solid birch which has slots cut into the top to accomodate strips of veneer which form the knee bend. The banding around the seat is also an Aalto giveaway - copies usually have visible laminations around the edge.

That?s great thanks for all...
That?s great thanks for all the help everyone :)

Annette I can definitely see what you mean it?s a real multipurpose item, I haven?t decided where to put it but yet but I?ve come up with several different ideas of how to use it already, I have a look on the Skandium site from time they have some great stuff

I found this pic of some old stools which are part of the artek 2nd cycle collection there pretty cool

paulanna, have you got any tips for cleaning it up?, I?ll try and get some better pictures of the worst areas this evening, its pretty grubby all over, the worst part is that dirt has got into the wood were the veneer has been lost, ideally I just want to get these areas a little cleaner and maybe get the top in better shape

The legs are pretty flat at the bottom although there pretty rough it looks like the stool has been used on a rough surface, I?ll get some pics of them also

To clean it up I'd probably...
To clean it up I'd probably just use some burnishing cream - I do tend to feel that the modern Artek finish lets down Aalto pieces as it doesn't mature into that fabulous golden orange that you get on early pieces. I've been collecting Aalto (him and Gerald Summers were my first design heroes!) for about 15 years - the only modern AA piece I have is my dining table matched up with some 30s 611 (Jyvaskyla) chairs. The modern finish on the table is very practical (especially with an 8 year old in the house!) but I hate the way it looks compared with the other, older stuff. When the ankle biter's grown up I'll either change it for an old one or strip it and repolish it.
Barry - your tank chair looks marvellous. I did out my 34 chair in the same fabric (zebra being very very bold for me!)and its the one chair that everybody who visits comments on.
There's a nice story about Aalto,Otto Korhonen and some of the employees throwing one of the first stools around the factory and Aalto saying "We'll sell a million!!"

Paulanna, where did you get the fabric?
I would love to get 1 yrd of the this fabric so my upholstery friend could make a nice 15" square throw pillow for it.

I emailed Artek, and surprise!, they never replied. I guess they're not supportive of their customers, even though they make such great products.

thanks paulanna I...
thanks paulanna

I ordered some burnishing cream this morning so I'll have a bash with that at the weekend,

Hi Paulanna I'm...
Hi Paulanna

I'm embarrassed to say but I haven?t started it yet, don?t seem to have much time at the minute, got the burnishing cream (liberon) as suggested, I?ve got some free time on Sunday so I?m going to have a go all being well

It?s proved a really useful item, I keep it in the same room as my bookcase it?s a perfect height for sitting when looking at the lower shelves,

Incidentally I bought a book on Aalto furniture last week, really good read, the lights really surprised me, lovely stuff, I?d really like pair of hand grenade lamps for bedside lighting, I best get saving!

i just searched for Valaistu...
i just searched for Valaistustyo but couldn't find much info did they manufacturer the lights at one stage?

I found a small pic of your light it looks great, it must give off a nice light,

Whilst searching i stumbled on this blueberry lamp for sale,

thanks for the info...
thanks for the info Paulanna, i'll keep an eye out for the book, I'm looking to learn more about Aalto,

Been looking at some of his houses recently in a small Taschen book, Villa Mairea what a house! the interior is just lovely, looks great yet cosy and comfortable

The dealer in Denmark emailed me back with a price for the Blueberry light, yikes!

sadly I never made a start on the stool, spent all day sunday painting a balustrade as the weather was good

pete