Easy chair Alvar Aalto Museum collection / loaned by the City of Jyväskylä Designer: Alvar Aalto Designed: 1933 Maker: Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab This upholstered easy chair is one version of the Aalto chairs built on the 'spring' principle. The plywood-seated model, introduced in 1932, was given a softer twin model the following year. The 'springs' are of beech, the wood that was used for bending the very first springs. Many explanations have been given for the use of beech, but the truth of the matter is that nobody knows the real reason. The 'steps' at the back of the spring are a sign that this is a very early model. The chair in the illustration is from Paimio.