Tove’s visit came a year after the publication of her first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood, and a sharp-eyed observer may even notice a Moomintroll sitting atop the entrance to Villa Mairea in the guestbook entry.

Tove Jansson often left such illustrations wherever she went, a reflection of her generous and playful nature. These spontaneous gestures have now inspired a new furniture collection, Artek + Moomin, blending Jansson’s creativity with the design vision of the Aaltos.

A meeting of creativity and nature

The illustrations featured on Stool 60 Celebration and Cabinet 250 Celebration come from Jansson’s early work and depict many of the beloved characters from Moomin stories. While the whimsical Moomin world may seem far from the clean lines of Artek’s designs, they share common influences – notably a respect for nature and a thoughtful approach to their audiences' needs. 

Jansson’s guest book entry highlights the harmony she found in the natural materials used by the Aaltos at Villa Mairea. Nature plays a vital role in both the world of the Moomins and the work of the Aaltos. Jansson spent her summers on a small cottage on a rocky island in the Pellinki archipelago, often with just her life partner Tuulikki Pietillä for company. The Moomin stories reflect her love and respect for nature. Moominvalley is an idealised version of Finland’s landscapes, where characters work together to adapt to changing seasons.

While Jansson cherished the peace that comes from being surrounded by nature, this was juxtaposed with her extroverted side – when not on her island cottage, she led a busy social life in Helsinki. She had a wide network of friends at home and abroad, and old photos show her dancing at parties. This joy for life fed into her creativity: the Moomin house, always open to all, embodies a spirit of inclusivity and shared responsibility. 

The Aaltos also enjoyed the company of others and were always mindful of the user’s needs in their work. Whether designing furniture or buildings, they prioritized both beauty and practical function. Just as Jansson’s connection to nature shaped her stories, the Aaltos’ designs were deeply rooted in a philosophy that honoured natural materials and human well-being. Their use of wood and other organic elements not only reflected Finland’s rich natural landscape but also fostered a sense of warmth and approachability. This led to furniture items that were not just aesthetically pleasing but also inviting and inclusive.

Welcoming the unexpected guest

The Artek + Moomin collection captures the informal, welcoming nature of Finnish hospitality that Jansson and the Aaltos enjoyed, at Villa Mairea and beyond. Each piece, made from Finnish birch, has been chosen with spontaneous gatherings in mind — Stool 60 Celebration ensures there is always an extra seat at the table, while Cabinet 250 Celebration serves as a central piece for storing refreshments and tableware. 

The Artek + Moomin collection is now available in select Moomin shops, Artek dealers worldwide, and through Artek’s physical and online stores.