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El Greco Gallery

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Pirkka Bench

Crafted entirely from solid wood, the Pirkka Bench combines a birch frame and pine seat. Bearing a distinctive aesthetic, the sharp lines of the seat contrast strikingly with the rounded, tapering contours of the frame. Inspired by traditional vernacular Finnish furniture, the Pirkka Bench provides a modern interpretation – flexible, informal, and effortlessly suited to contemporary living. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1950s, the Pirkka Bench is a versatile addition to any room.

About Designer
Ilmari Tapiovaara

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was one of the greatest interior architects and designers of his era. With the mind of an explorer and the soul of a craftsman, Tapiovaara was always looking for new solutions to improve everyday objects. During his long career, Tapiovaara created dozens of iconic objects loved by the public; it is often said that he captured the essence of Finnish identity.

Tapiovaara graduated from the Department of Furniture Design at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki in 1937. After completing his studies, he worked as an assistant at Le Corbusier’s office in Paris before becoming artistic director and designer at Asko Oy, then one of Finland’s largest furniture manufacturers. From 1946 to 1947, Tapiovaara designed furniture together with his wife Annikki for Domus Academica, the new student housing facility in Helsinki. It was in the course of this project that the famous Domus Chair was born.