Pair of Hannes Armchairs, 1983

Eliel Saarinen embarked on a journey that spanned painting and architecture during his academic years at Helsinki University. It was in his final year of school when he, along with his classmates Herman Gesellius and Armas Lindgren, ventured into the world of architecture. Together, they set out to create a remarkable architectural marvel for the 1900 World Fair in Paris, which became a captivating blend of various stylistic influences.

Their creation, the Finnish pavilion, was a harmonious fusion of Finnish wooden architecture, the British Gothic Revival, and the Jugendstil movement. Embracing the art nouveau-inspired Scandinavian romantic style, they left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape. Their notable works include the Finnish National Museum in Helsinki, Eliel Saarinen's own residence near Helsinki, dating back to 1901, and the iconic Helsinki train station, which graced the city around 1906.

Among his cherished creations from this era, the "Hannes" chair from 1908 stands out with its decorative mahogany inlay.