The Chair 41 is one of Aalto's designs. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), one of the founders of Artek, was born in Kuortane, Finland. Alvar Aalto is recognized today as one of the great masters of modern architecture. He began designing furnishings as a natural and important extension of his architectural thinking. Alvar Aalto's furniture and lighting pieces form the basis of the Artek range.