Wooden coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Fratelli Montina, 1970s. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara (7 September 1914 - 31 January 1999) was a Finnish designer known for his furniture and textiles. In 1937 he graduated in interior design and worked for Asko the following year. He was to have a strong influence on Alvar Aalto. During the Second World War, Tapiovaara designed dugouts and field furniture for the Finnish army, a challenging task as only local wood and simple tools could be used and no nails or screws were available. His work came to attention for the Domus chairs. These were born while he worked with his wife at Domus Academica from 1946 to 1947. In 1951 the couple founded their own studio. The following year he taught design at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Later he worked in Paraguay and Mauritius for a United Nations development programme. In 1959 he received the 'Pro-Finland medal' of the Order of the Lion of Finland and in 1964 the gold medal at the 13th Milan Triennale for his Polar cutlery. He realised much of his work for universities, schools and even a 'Root Table' for the Finnish army. Furniture designs based on his sketches have continued to be produced into the 21st century. Montina stands for formal research, technology and unique design: these are the key elements that make Montina an icon of Italian furniture. Montina has always believed in combining state-of-the-art technology with the most advanced production techniques. This is why chairs, tables, coffee tables and modular systems are made with the same care as a made-to-measure product. Montina is a brand of the Dway Group.
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SILVER Seller in Padova, Italy
