RIP Yrjö Kukkapuro, the celebrated Finnish furniture designer. Credit: Instagram @yrjokukkapurocollection
Yrjö Kukkapuro, the celebrated Finnish furniture designer whose postmodern chairs have adorned homes, offices, and prestigious museums worldwide, has died at the grand age of 91.
His passing was confirmed on Saturday, February 8, at his home just outside Helsinki by his daughter, Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom.
Yrjö Kukkapuro’s legacy of iconic designs
In a career spanning over seven decades, Kukkapuro became synonymous with innovative, ergonomic furniture design. His most famous creation, the Experiment chair, launched in 1982, was a defining piece of postmodern design. Featuring bright, wavy armrests, an angled seat, and a striking aesthetic, it was both artistic and functional. Despite initial cynicism, the chair became a commercial success and a hallmark of Kukkapuro’s visionary approach to furniture.
His work included renowned designs such as the Ateljee, Karuselli-chair, and Long Chair. Many of his chairs have been displayed in renowned institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Kukkapuro’s influence extended beyond gallery spaces. His chairs were commonly found in metro stations, schools, libraries, and offices throughout Finland. “Almost every Finn has sat on a chair he designed,” his studio said in a statement.
Last year, CCTV footage identified a thief who stole two chairs worth nearly €10,000 each, including Artek’s Karuselli model by Yrjö Kukkapuro, from Aalto University.
Even in his final days, Kukkapuro continued producing new designs. “Until the very end, he pondered a concept of his new chair, the plan of which was clear in his mind,” his studio revealed.
The Experiment Chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro
The Experiment chair ceased production in the 1990s, but in 2021, European furniture brand Hem sought permission from Kukkapuro to reintroduce it with slight modifications. Hem’s CEO, Petrus Palmér, described him as “a furniture design trailblazer” whose unconventional approach cemented his legacy.
Today, the Experiment chair retails for up to €2,399, with Hem praising it as “timeless, bold, and as compelling today as the day it was created.”
Kukkapuro’s impact will be further honoured with the transformation of his family’s studio and home into a museum next year. Built in the late 1960s, it features a wave-shaped roof and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
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