Ilmari Lappalainen Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Ilmari Lappalainen, born 1918, was a renowned Finnish designer active between the late 1940s and the late 1970s. Lappalainen graduated as a woodworking teacher in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. Read the full biography

Ilmari Lappalainen, born 1918, was a renowned Finnish designer active between the late 1940s and the late 1970s. Lappalainen graduated as a woodworking teacher in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. He began his career as a trainee at Asko and was subsequently hired as a permanent designer within the agency. Lappalainen has worked as both a teacher and an interior designer for Asko's major department stores, public spaces and hotels. Among its most famous products are the "Laila" sofa set, the "Seija" rocking chair and the "Pulkka" armchair. Interestingly, the chairs belonging to the Columna series were originally marketed as healthcare chairs, as they featured such a well-thought-out ergonomic design that they prevented possible back problems. Eventually, the chairs even gained medical approval. Lappalainen passed away in 2008.