Eero Aarnio (born 1932) is one of the great innovators of modern furniture design. Responsible for an array of distinct and visually striking work, Aarnio helped establish Finland in the international design market. A one-man workshop, his work encompasses interior design, industrial design, graphic art, and photography.

In the 1960s, Aarnio began experimenting with plastics, vivid colours, and organic forms, breaking away from traditional conventions. His now iconic plastic creations include the Ball (1963), the Pastil (1968), and the Bubble (1968), pop art chairs that captured the spirit of the age.

Over his long and remarkable career, Aarnio has refused to follow the rules, saying, “A chair must be comfortable for sitting, and after that everything is free.”

Today, Aarnio’s work is included in the collections of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the MoMA in New York, and the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein.