Alvar Aalto

One of the great masters of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) enjoyed a long and prolific career, designing everything from private homes to churches, libraries and universities in his native Finland, and producing instantly iconic pieces of furniture that brought him fame abroad. His creations large and small are often inspired by nature, and include classics such as his lake-shaped vase for Iittala and his bent birch stools and armchairs for Artek, a company he co-founded in 1935.