Artek was founded in Helsinki in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and 

Aino Aalto, Marie Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl.  In keeping with the radical spirit of its founders, Artek today remains an innovative player in the world of modern design, developing new products at the intersection of design, architecture, and art.  The Artek collection consists of furniture, lighting, and accessories designed by Finnish masters and leading international designers.  It stands for clarity, functionality, and poetic simplicity.