The Visibly Invisible – Artek’s Drawing Office 1936–2004 exhibition for the first time showcases the skilled group of designers who have worked at Artek over a period of more than 60 years. 

From the very beginning, the Artek brand was built on furniture designed by the Aaltos, and by Alvar Aalto in particular. Over the decades, Artek’s drawing office employed a wide-ranging assortment of interior architects, textile designers, and applied-arts professionals. Their efforts are behind many familiar products, but, as individuals, as designers, they have remained almost anonymous. VISIBLY INVISIBLE – Artek’s Drawing Office 1936–2004 puts the spotlight on these talented creators, who shared in the making of Artek’s success story as a major player in modern European design and décor.

The drawing office was a collective whose activities spanned a broad spectrum of design tasks, from furniture for private and public spaces to the minutest details of the home. This comprehensive design approach also included interiors, textiles, fairs and exhibitions, as well as utility prints. The use and variation of structural elements derived from Alvar Aalto’s innovations gave rise to a wide range of functional furniture that can be used in different spaces – to the more anonymous artek design.

The work of designers at Artek and their contribution to its output has barely been studied or put on display. This exhibition, produced by the Alvar Aalto Museum, investigates the people behind the pseudonyms and also highlights the work and production of several key designers. The furniture and other items here are mainly from the Artek collection administered by the Alvar Aalto Foundation.