While meandering through the gift shop at the Corning Museum of Glass recently (the gift shop is more like a wonderful gallery) I happened to see a photo of a familiar face – architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto (1898 – 1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, and I became familiar with his work and his legend when I studied architecture in Denmark. My Danish professors revered Aalto and made references to his work and personality almost on a daily basis. I was fortunate to be able to visit Finland and see many examples Aalto’s works on a class field trip that took us to Helsinki, Jyvaskyla and Iitala, Finland.
Aalto’s connection with Iittala Glassworks in Finland, his iconic Savoy vase, and the Aino Aalto tumblers designed by his wife Aino are featured at the Corning Museum of Glass. In addition to his architectural designs and the Savoy vase, Aalto is well known for his furniture such as the Paimio chair, and lighting designs such as the Beehive ceiling lamp. Classics in Design!