Heikki Aalto-Alanen

New praise for THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO!  

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We are happy to share new international praise for AINO + ALVAR AALTO: A Life Together, published in English and French by Phaidon Press! English edition was translated by David Hackston.

“This characteristically elegant Phaidon publication, lush with images, is remarkably personal … A beautiful and important contribution to architecture and design history.”
– Booklist, starred review

“Unique … Such an intimate level of access is possible thanks to the fact that the author is a grandson and has done much to preserve the designers’ legacy.”
– Interior Design

“An intimate look inside a partnership that was both romantic and commercial … Together, the Aaltos were stronger than they were apart.”
– Dwell

Meanwhile, the Japanese edition of the title, published by Soshisha and translated by Mihoko Ueyama, was recently featured at the European Literature Festival in Japan! 

And in Italy, the launch of the Italian edition – published by Salani and translated by Nicola Raino – coincides with the MAXXI museum’s Aalto exhibition!

The rights for this beautiful title are still available in e.g. Germany, Sweden, World Spanish, Denmark, Poland, etc.

Download the materials for the title here!

Rakastan sinussa ihmistä
Otava, August 2021, pp. 460

Reading Material:
English edition

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Postimees
HUNGARY: Európa Könyvkiadó
FRANCE: Phaidon Press
ITALY: Salani
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

Aino + Alvar Aalto Book Launch in New York

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In New York, on Thursday the 28th September, we celebrated the launch of Heikki Aalto-Alanen’s book Aino + Alvar Aalto – A Life Together, beautifully published by Phaidon! Originally published in Finland by Otava in 2021, the English language edition is now available throughout the world.

Art, architecture and design professionals as well as Aalto enthusiasts were gathered at the Finnish Consul General’s residence to learn more about the iconic architects Aino and Alvar Aalto and their influential partnership. Phaidon’s edition is a captivating visual biography, written by the Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen, translated by David Hackston, and including a rich collection of archival materials and offering an intimate look at Aino and Alvar Aalto’s lives, work, and enduring legacy. A true love story!

Warmest thanks to Consul General Jarmo Sareva and his excellent team for hosting the book launch event in collaboration with Phaidon and Elina Ahlback Literary Agency. Thank you FILI – Finnish Literature Exchange for kindly supporting the event. Congratulations, Heikki Aalto-Alanen and Phaidon!

We are delighted to share a feature “The Very Modern Love Story of Mid-Century Design Duo Alvar and Aino Aalto” by Carol Kino published in 1stDibs (Reach: 4.2M).
LINK: https://www.1stdibs.com/introspective-magazine/aino-and-alvar-aalto-phaidon/

Reviews for the Phaidon edition of AINO + ALVAR AALTO: A Life Together:

“This characteristically elegant Phaidon publication, lush with images, is remarkably personal … A beautiful and important contribution to architecture and design history.”
– Booklist, starred review

“This resonant monograph makes one wonder what else [Alvar] and Aino might have accomplished together had she lived into old age.”
– 1stDibs

“Unique … Such an intimate level of access is possible thanks to the fact that the author is a grandson and has done much to preserve the designers’ legacy.”
– Interior Design

“Aino + Alvar Aalto is a celebration [that] honor[s] their work and the love that inspired their creative projects, offering insights into their impressive contributions to art and design.”
– Designboom

“A poignant glimpse into [Aino and Alvar Aalto’s] deep bond.”
– Metropolis

Download the materials for THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO here!

Aino + Alvar Aalto Phaidon editions at the Finnish Consulate.

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

The love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto, written by the Aaltos’ grandson

Alvar and Aino Aalto are internationally celebrated for their architecture, furniture, glassware, and other interior design, but their personal lives have been relatively unknown – until now. This book, written by the Aaltos’ grandson, stands apart from countless other works on the Aalto’s lives and careers. It contains photos, sketches, and personal letters between Aino and Alvar, beautifully illustrating how inseparable this couple was both in work and love, and bringing a deeply human element to their story.

“Countless books have been written about Alvar Aalto’s architecture and other works. Recently, Aino Marsio-Aalto has also received the recognition she deserves in her own right as well as in her role as the partner of Alvar Aalto in his rise as one of the leading architects of the 20th century,” says Heikki Aalto-Alanen. “The voice in this book is personal. I want to tell the story of Aino’s and Alvar’s unique partnership, relationship, and their joint life work from the perspective of a family member. I also want their own voices to be heard.”

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino’s and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, along with architectural drawings and photographs.

THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO
RAKASTAN SINUSSA IHMISTÄ. AINO JA ALVAR AALLON TARINA
Otava, 2021, 462 pp.

READING MATERIALS
English edition

RIGHTS SOLD:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Postimees
FRANCE: Phaidon Press
HUNGARY: Európa Könyvkiadó
ITALY: Adriano Salani Editore
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

Italian rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO sold to Salani!

Posted on
We are happy to announce that Salani in Italy has now acquired th rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO, written by Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen. We are truly happy for an Italian deal, as Italy was an important country for both Aaltos, who spent a great deal of time there – Italy was also the destination for their honeymoon! The deal was closed by Elina Ahlbäck and Elsa Lindström at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

This beautiful title, based on unpublished correspondence of Aino and Alvar Aalto, has now been sold to 7 territories, having previously acquired by Európa Könyvkiadó in Hungary, Phaidon for World English market and for French market, Soshisha in Japan and Postimees in Estonia! 

The title was published in Estonia in April 2022 to great reception, the Japanese edition will be pubished by Soshisha in Summer 2023, and the Phaidon English and French editions are planned for publication in Fall 2023!

“When we think about great minds, we tend to see more of the result of their work than the people behind it. Aino and Alvar Aalto’s work in the field of design and architecture has had a great impact worldwide, representing beauty, harmony, and comfort. There are books and studies which can tell us many things about it, but I believe that none of them can ever be as personal and intimate as their own love story – written by their grandson. One can only imagine how much their creativity was nourished by their personal relationship. It will be extremely exciting to read their story and to get to know both of them almost as close as they knew each other. The fact that their creations have proven to be timeless since the day they were born is proof in itself of extraordinary, unbreakable love.”
– Piret Veigel, Senior Editor at Postimees Publishing House, Estonia

The rights are still available in e.g. Germany, Sweden, World Spanish, Poland, etc.
Request the materials here!

 

THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO 

By Heikki Aalto-Alanen

The love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto, written by the Aaltos’ grandson

Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino are internationally celebrated for their architecture, furniture, glassware, and other interior design, but their personal lives have been relatively unknown – until now. This book, written by the Aaltos’ grandson, stands apart from countless other works on the Aalto’s lives and careers. It contains photos, sketches, and personal letters between Aino and Alvar, beautifully illustrating how inseparable this couple was both in work and love, and bringing a deeply human element to their story.

“Countless books have been written about Alvar Aalto’s architecture and other works. Recently, Aino Marsio-Aalto has also received the recognition she deserves in her own right as well as in her role as the partner of Alvar Aalto in his rise as one of the leading architects of the 20th century,” says Heikki Aalto-Alanen. “The voice in this book is personal. I want to tell the story of Aino’s and Alvar’s unique partnership, relationship, and their joint life work from the perspective of a family member. I also want their own voices to be heard.”

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino’s and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, along with architectural drawings and photographs.

Rakastan sinussa ihmistä
Otava, August 2021, pp. 460

Reading Material:
Full English MS

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Postimees
HUNGARY: Európa Könyvkiadó
FRANCE: Phaidon Press
ITALY: Salani
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

French rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO acquired by Phaidon Press!

Posted on
We are happy to announce that PHAIDON PRESS has now acquired the French rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO, written by Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen! The deal was closed by Elina Ahlback at Elina Ahlback Literary Agency.

This beautiful title, based on unpublished correspondence of Aino and Alvar Aalto, has now been sold to 6 territories, having previously acquired by Európa Könyvkiadó in Hungary, Phaidon for World English market, Soshisha in Japan and Postimees in Estonia! 

We are very proud to have acquired the rights for the English and French editions of Heikki Aalto Alanen’s book on Aino and Alvar Aalto. It is an honour to publish the great story of two talented individuals, who changed forever the course of modern architecture and design.”
– Emilia Terragni, Associated Publisher, Phaidon Press London.

The title was published in Estonia in April 2022 to great reception, and the Phaidon English and French editions are planned for publication in Fall 2023!

The rights are still available in e.g. Germany, Italy, Sweden, World Spanish, Poland, etc.
Download the materials here!

THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO 

By Heikki Aalto-Alanen
The love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto, written by the Aaltos’ grandson

Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino are internationally celebrated for their architecture, furniture, glassware, and other interior design, but their personal lives have been relatively unknown – until now. This book, written by the Aaltos’ grandson, stands apart from countless other works on the Aalto’s lives and careers. It contains photos, sketches, and personal letters between Aino and Alvar, beautifully illustrating how inseparable this couple was both in work and love, and bringing a deeply human element to their story.

“Countless books have been written about Alvar Aalto’s architecture and other works. Recently, Aino Marsio-Aalto has also received the recognition she deserves in her own right as well as in her role as the partner of Alvar Aalto in his rise as one of the leading architects of the 20th century,” says Heikki Aalto-Alanen. “The voice in this book is personal. I want to tell the story of Aino’s and Alvar’s unique partnership, relationship, and their joint life work from the perspective of a family member. I also want their own voices to be heard.”

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino’s and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, along with architectural drawings and photographs.

Rakastan sinussa ihmistä
Otava, August 2021, pp. 460

Reading Material:
English sample, table of contents, info, Full Finnish PDF

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)

ESTONIA: Postimees
FRANCE: Phaidon Press
HUNGARY: Európa Könyvkiadó
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

Hungarian rights for THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO acquired by Európa Könyvkiadó

Posted on

We are really happy to announce that one of the most important publishers in Hungary – Európa Könyvkiadó – has now acquired the rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO, written by Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen.

This unique work of art based on unpublished correspondence of Aino and Alvar Aalto has now 5 international publishers, having previously acquired by Phaidon for World English market, Soshisha in Japan and Postimees in Estonia for publication in 2022.
In Finland, Otava published this beautiful title in August 2021.

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto is based on previously unpublished correspondence between the couple from 1921-1949 and compiled and written by Heikki Aalto-Alanen, a grandson of the Aaltos.

The book has been prepared with precision, thoroughness and with love as the material is intimate and belongs to the Aalto family archives. This is the love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto.

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, as well as landscape drawings made while traveling, along with other architectural drawings and photographs.

Download materials for the book from here

The Finnish publisher Otava rejoices of the world conquest that the book is making. Literary Director Minna Castrén said, ”We congratulate Heikki Aalto-Alanen for the global success of this exceptional book. In his work, Aalto-Alanen has exceeded our expectations: THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO is simply put – a treasure.”

PUBLISHERS’ PRAISES:

“We are very proud to have acquired the rights for the English edition of Heikki Aalto Alanen’s book on Aino and Alvar Aalto. It is an honour to publish the great story of two talented individuals, who changed forever the course of modern architecture and design.”
– Emilia Terragni, Associated Publisher, Phaidon Press London.

“We are truly delighted for this opportunity to introduce such an extremely valuable book of correspondences written by the internationally renowned Finnish architects, Aino and Alvar Aalto, to Japan. The Aaltos are widely recognized in Japan as well, and the ideas which they pursued on design have been continuously referenced and implemented in the fields of architecture and design in Japan today. I believe that the Japanese people resonate with their deep understanding of human and nature through their design utilizing curved lines and wood. I am sure that Japanese readers are highly anticipating this book and its revelations about how the Aaltos have lived through tumultuous times and thought about design.“
– Kazuhiro Yoshida, Editor, Soshisha, Japan

“When we think about great minds, we tend to see more of the result of their work than the people behind it. Aino and Alvar Aalto’s work in the field of design and architecture has had a great impact worldwide, representing beauty, harmony, and comfort. There are books and studies which can tell us many things about it, but I believe that none of them can ever be as personal and intimate as their own love story – written by their grandson. One can only imagine how much their creativity was nourished by their personal relationship. It will be extremely exciting to read their story and to get to know both of them almost as close as they knew each other. The fact that their creations have proven to be timeless since the day they were born is proof in itself of extraordinary, unbreakable love.”
– Piret Veigel, Senior Editor at Postimees Publishing House, Estonia

THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO
Rakastan sinussa ihmistä
Otava, August 2021, pp. 460

Reading Material:
English sample, table of contents, info, Full Finnish PDF

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)

ESTONIA: Postimees
HUNGARY: Európa Könyvkiadó
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

World English rights for THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO acquired by Phaidon Press!

Posted on

The world’s leading publisher of books of the creative arts, Phaidon Press has acquired World English rights to The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto by Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen. This unique work of art, based on unpublished correspondence of Aino and Alvar Aalto will be published as a beautifully illustrated book for the English speaking global market in 2022/2023 and will be translated by award-winning translator David Hackston. Rights have been previously sold to Soshisha in Japan and Postimees in Estonia for publication in 2022. In Finland, Otava published this beautiful work of art in August 2021.

“We are very proud to have acquired the rights for the English edition of Heikki Aalto Alanen’s book on Aino and Alvar Aalto. It is an honour to publish the great story of two talented individuals, who changed forever the course of modern architecture and design.”
– Emilia Terragni, Associated Publisher, Phaidon Press London.

Phaidon is the premier global publisher of the creative arts. Phaidon works with the world’s most influential authors to produce innovative books on art, photography, design, architecture, fashion, food, and travel, and illustrated books for children. Phaidon has a long and distinguished history as an art-book publisher with over 1,500 titles in print. With Headquarters in London and New York, and offices in Paris and Berlin, Phaidon now operates a global sales and distribution network, selling in over 100 countries.

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto is based on previously unpublished correspondence between the couple from 1921-1949 and compiled and written by Heikki Aalto-Alanen, a grandson of the Aaltos.

The book has been prepared with precision, thoroughness and with love as the material is intimate and belongs to the Aalto family archives. This is the love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto.

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, as well as landscape drawings made while traveling, along with other architectural drawings and photographs.

Download the reading materials from here.

The Finnish publisher Otava rejoices of the world conquest that the book is making. Literary Director Minna Castrén says, ”We congratulate Heikki Aalto-Alanen for the global  success of this exceptional book. In his work, Aalto-Alanen has exceeded our expectations: THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO is simply put – a treasure.”

Publishers’ praises:

“We are truly delighted for this opportunity to introduce such an extremely valuable book of correspondences written by the internationally renowned Finnish architects, Aino and Alvar Aalto, to Japan. The Aaltos are widely recognized in Japan as well, and the ideas which they pursued on design have been continuously referenced and implemented in the fields of architecture and design in Japan today. I believe that the Japanese people resonate with their deep understanding of human and nature through their design utilizing curved lines and wood. I am sure that Japanese readers are highly anticipating this book and its revelations about how the Aaltos have lived through tumultuous times and thought about design.“
– Kazuhiro Yoshida, Editor, Soshisha, Japan

 “When we think about great minds, we tend to see more of the result of their work than the people behind it. Aino and Alvar Aalto’s work in the field of design and architecture has had a great impact worldwide, representing beauty, harmony, and comfort. There are books and studies which can tell us many things about it, but I believe that none of them can ever be as personal and intimate as their own love story – written by their grandson. One can only imagine how much their creativity was nourished by their personal relationship. It will be extremely exciting to read their story and to get to know both of them almost as close as they knew each other. The fact that their creations have proven to be timeless since the day they were born is proof in itself of extraordinary, unbreakable love.”
– Piret Veigel, Senior Editor at Postimees Publishing House, Estonia

 

 

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Postimees
JAPAN: Soshisha
WORLD ENGLISH: Phaidon Press

 

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

The much-awaited insider book on the designer couple THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO is published today

Posted on

Today is the publishing day of The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto by Heikki Aalto-Alanen. The book is published by Otava Publishing in Finnish. It is based on previously unpublished correspondence between the couple from 1921-1949 and compiled and written by Heikki Aalto-Alanen, a grandson of the Aaltos.

The book has been prepared with precision, thoroughness and with love as the material is intimate and belongs to the Aalto family archives. This is the love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto.

In honour of the publication day, Heikki Aalto-Alanen has been interviewed by the Finnish newspapers. Today in Keskisuomalainen Newspaper, Aalto-Alanen says:

– The letters haven’t been showed to anyone, really. Only biographer Göran Schildt and film director Virpi Suutari have used them in their works as research material. An absolute pearl is Aino’s travel journal which I happened to find from my mother’s night desk. The notes describe widely Aino’s travels, her thoughts, and plans.

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, as well as landscape drawings made while traveling, along with other architectural drawings and photographs.

Download materials for the book from here.

“Countless books have been written about Alvar Aalto’s architecture and other works. Recently, Aino Marsio-Aalto has also received the recognition she deserves in her own right as well as in her role in the rise of Alvar Aalto as one of the leading architects of the 20th century,” says Heikki Aalto-Alanen. “The voice in this book is personal. I want to tell the story of Aino and Alvar’s unique partnership, relationship, and their joint life work from the perspective of a family member. I also want their own voices to be heard.”

Rights sold:

FINLAND: Otava (orig.)
ESTONIA: Postimees
JAPAN: Soshisha

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Related news

Japanese sale for AINO & ALVAR AALTO!

Posted on

We cannot be more excited to let you know that Japanese publisher Soshisha has acquired rights to THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO, written by Aaltos’ grandson Heikki Aalto-Alanen.

This is a love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto including previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photography and drawings. Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino are internationally celebrated for their architecture, furniture, glassware and other interior design, but their personal lives have been relatively unknown – until now.

Download the English sample by clicking here

Soshisha is known for its successful translation titles for history and biographies and they are really happy for the acquisition:

We are truly delighted for this opportunity to introduce such an extremely valuable book of correspondences written by the internationally renowned Finnish architects, Aino and Alvar Aalto, to Japan. The Aaltos are widely recognized in Japan as well, and the ideas which they pursued on design have been continuously referenced and implemented in the fields of architecture and design in Japan today. I believe that the Japanese people resonate with their deep understanding of human and nature through their design utilizing curved lines and wood. I am sure that Japanese readers are highly anticipating this book and its revelations about how the Aaltos have lived through tumultuous times and thought about design. 
– Kazuhiro Yoshida, Editor, Soshisha, Japan

 

THE STORY OF AINO AND ALVAR AALTO
by Heikki Aalto-Alanen
Otava, September 2021

This is the love story of the world-famous, pioneering design couple Aino and Alvar Aalto.
Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino are internationally celebrated for their architecture, furniture, glassware and other interior design, but their personal lives have been relatively unknown – until now. This book, written by the Aaltos’ grandson, contains photos, sketches, and personal letters between Aino and Alvar beautifully illustrating how inseparable this couple was both in work and love.

“Countless books have been written about Alvar Aalto’s architecture and other works. Recently, Aino Marsio-Aalto has also received the recognition she deserves in her own right as well as in her role in the rise of Alvar Aalto as one of the leading architects of the 20th century,” says Heikki Aalto-Alanen, grandson of the Aaltos’.
“The voice in this book is personal. I want to tell the story of Aino and Alvar’s unique partnership, relationship, and their joint life work from the perspective of a family member. I also want their own voices to be heard.”

In addition to the photographs from the family archive, the book is illustrated with Aino and Alvar’s drawings of each other and of their children, as well as landscape drawings made while traveling, along with other architectural drawings and photographs

THE STORY OF AINO & ALVAR AALTO
RAKASTAN SINUSSA IHMISTÄ – AINO JA ALVAR AALLON TARINA

Otava, September 2021

Reading materials:  
English sample

Rights sold:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.)

ESTONIA: Postimees
JAPAN: Soshisha

About author


Heikki Aalto-Alanen

Heikki Aalto-Alanen is the grandson of architects Aino and Alvar Aalto, who has previously served as vice chairman of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, been a member of Artek’s Board of Directors, member of the Alvar Aalto Academy Board, and held other positions maintaining Aino and Alvar Aalto’s artistic work and heritage. Today he is serving as the chairman of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation, established in 2020 to preserve Aino and Alvar Aalto's early masterpiece. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Alvar and Aino Aalto Estate Ltd. Heikki Aalto-Alanen is a lawyer by profession and has worked in the Nordic financial market.

His book tells the story of Aino and Alvar Aalto, depicted through their previously unpublished correspondence from 1921-1949, photographs and drawings.

Read more

Bibliography


2021, General Nonfiction, Memories & Biographies

The Story of Aino and Alvar Aalto

Heikki Aalto-Alanen

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