Yrjo Kukkapuro

YRJÖ KUKKAPURO (Finland, 1933) for Haimi.
Pair of "Pressu" armchairs, design 1972.
Canvas covered with polyurethane. Tubular structure in chromed steel.
Measurements: 66 x 72 x 72 cm.

Yrjö Kukkapuro designed the Pressu chair for Haimi in 1972. The name of the model refers to the textile material used, a highly resistant and waterproof polyurethane-coated canvas. Connoisseurs of mid-century design will be able to relate the model in bidding to Alvar Aalto's Paimio chair.

Considered one of the most important figures in Scandinavian design of all time, Yrjö Kukkapuro has worked as a freelance creator and interior architect from his earliest works in 1957 to his most recent in 2007. His works are characterized by a strict control of form and extreme attention to detail, as well as a search for ergonomic forms. From 1974 to 1980 he also worked as a professor of Art and Design. His creations include the "Sirkus" office chair, the "Remmi" chair, the "Fysio" office chair (which has won numerous international awards) and the "Karuselli" armchair (1965). He has also been chief designer for companies such as Haimi, Lepokalusto and Avarte. Today Yrjö Kukkapuro continues to work and designs mainly for the company Avarte. One of his most recent works is the Element collection from 2007. Currently his works are part of collections such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London; the MoMA in New York and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein (Germany) among others.