Marimekko Applies its Iconic Patterns to Artek Furniture

Summary

• Finnish design companies Artek and Marimekko have collaborated on a new furniture collection, “Artek + Marimekko,” to celebrate their creative heritage.
• The collection features classic Artek furniture, including pieces by Alvar Aalto, adorned with iconic Marimekko patterns from Maija Isola’s “Arkkitehti” series, such as “Lokki,” “Seireeni,” and “Kivet,” using marquetry.
• This collaboration, part of Artek’s 90th-anniversary celebration, will be previewed at 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen this June and officially launched in September.

Two of Finland’s biggest design companies Artek and Marimekko have joined forces on a collection of furniture that jointly celebrates their creative heritage.

The “Artek + Marimekko” collection, set to debut at this year’s 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen next week, sees a series of Artek pieces designed by Alvar Aalto updated with Marimekko patterns.

Included in the collection is a Stool 60, Bench 153B, and Table 90D, which Aalto designed between 1933 and 1945. The three prints have been chosen from Marimekko’s “Arkkitehti” series, which was designed by Maija Isola and have gone on to become some of the brand’s most recongnisable patterns.

Rather than simply applying the prints to the surface of the furniture, the team of craftspeople at Artek have replicated the “Lokki”, “Seireeni” and “Kivet” motifs using marquetry techniques.

“Using marquetry on a veneer top surface, the patterns shimmer as they interact with movement and light,” Artek says. “The collection reflects Artek and Marimekko’s pursuit to create long-lasting design, and the production process of this marquetry technique minimises wood waste.”

The Artek + Marimekko collection is the latest in a series of collaborations that celebrate the brand’s 90th anniversary. It follows on from a limited-edition range featuring Moomin characters, developed by Finnish artist Tove Jansson in 1945, and is joined by a commemorative poster designed by Finnish contemporary artist Inka Bell.

While the pieces won’t officially launch until September this year, they will be previewed in an installation designed by Linda Bergroth during 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, which will be open at Pilestræde 29 from June 17 to 21.