June Designer of the Month: Risto Halme - A major influence on Finnish furniture design

Photo: https://bongo.fi/fi/fi/muotoilijat/puulon-oy/1960-sarja-pyorea

Rarely has a single name defined Finnish furniture design and interior architecture as significantly as interior architect Risto Halme, although his name may not be as well known as that of a few other contemporary designers.

Born in Lahti in 1937, Risto Halme studied at the University of Art and Design. After graduating in 1959, he started his career at Sopenkorpi Oy, and then moved to Isku. At Isku, he designed a range of school furniture in the early 1960s that was used for more than three decades.

Halme's work became particularly significant when he started as a freelance designer in 1964. Since then, he has created numerous important works for banks, hotels, restaurants and private homes. The furniture he designed has been produced by several major Finnish companies, including Asko, Lepofinn, Martela, Merivaara and Peem.

Risto Halme's iconic chairs

Risto Halme is particularly well known for his chairs. His 1960 series of chairs represent the cosy and light design style of the 1960s. The chair is made in Finland. According to Halme, the chair is an eternal challenge for the designer. Its basic shape is standard, but personality is expected in its details. A good chair is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable to sit on, safe, and meets the requirements of mass production.

One of the most famous chairs designed by Halme is the Isku 411, made of bent plywood, which he began designing as a student. The chair was taken into production by Isku in 1960 and is one of the most popular Finnish chairs.

Risto Halme's importance to the Finnish furniture industry

Risto Halme's importance to the Finnish furniture industry extended beyond the design table. He was active on the board of the Interior Architects SIO and in the Finnish Furniture Exporters Association. He also worked to promote the visibility of the Finnish furniture industry worldwide by designing stands for international trade fairs in the 1970s. Risto Halme's long and distinguished career has created an invaluable and evidential perspective on the furniture industry spanning more than five decades.

Risto Halme passed away on 7 March 2021 in his hometown of Lahti, at the age of 87. Halme's importance to Finnish design is immeasurable, and the design classics he created live on in our homes, schools and public spaces.