Artek 900 Tea Trolley, 1937

900 tea trolley by Alvar Aalto for Artek.

Artek stands for art and technology. The Finish company is renowned as one of the most innovative contributors to modern design. They stand out for the clean lines, quality and longevity of their products, all made using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and new technics.

The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with through their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architecture they admired. The striking Tea Trolley 900, which features ceramic tiles and a rattan basket, was first launched internationally at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937, a traditionally functionalist piece of furniture embellished with pared-down multicultural references. Versatile and full of character, Tea Trolley 900 is the perfect centrepiece for enjoying anything from breakfast to high tea or cocktails.