Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp Model A809 in White and Black Leather, Valaistustyö 1960s

Alvar Aalto floor lamp model A809 made by Valaistustyö in the 1960s. This lamp has three white metal cone shaped shades. The shades consist of concentric slats allowing light to go and down through them and give a beautiful lighting effect.

The leg is covered in it's original black leather. The lamp has two lights pointing up, and one pointing down.

This floor lamp model is designed for modern interiors and can well suit any sci-fi movie set with it's 'space craft' look. Also nicknamed the donkey's saddle bag due to the shape of the shades that look like the baskets placed on the sides of the donkey. As with a lot of similar mid-century modern Finnish designs, one can easily say this is a timeless lamp.

The lamp is stamped with the manufacturer's name and model number. The lamp has normal wear and has some marks on the leather consistent with age and use (nothing serious at all, please refer to pictures). We choose to leave it in it's current original condition, but the marks and stains can be stained black by a professional, if one desires a flawless look. The electricity cord is also the original one, and is still in good condition and up to current standards.

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is a world famous architect and designer. He was well known for designing his own line of furniture and lighting for the numerous buildings that he designed worldwide. The entry for him on the Museum of Modern Art website notes his "remarkable synthesis of romantic and pragmatic ideas". Aalto is also one of the founders of the global design furniture company “Artek”.