Alki reissues an iconic chair by Basterretxea

More than 100 years after the birth of Nestor Basterretxea, Alki is reissuing a chair designed in 1961 by the pioneer of Basque industrial design. Still relevant today, this model reflects the boldness and innovation that characterised Basterretxea's work.

Painter, advertising artist, sculptor, filmmaker, industrial designer, co-founder of the avant-garde group Gaur... so many different hats, but only one signature style and one culture: that of Nestor Basterretxea. This artist not only modernised Basque art, he also internationalised it, placing his work within the major contemporary movements of the 1960s.

Industrial design was one of his most prolific areas of work. After designing pieces packed with panache for the H Muebles brand, founded by Juan Huarte Beaumont, Nestor Basterretxea opened the Espiral shop in Donostia. There he designed and sold his modern, timeless creations, which soon brought him to the stage as an internationally renowned designer.

In 2025, Alki is reissuing an iconic piece from the Espiral boutique era: the “Uhin” chair, which means ‘wave’ in Basque. A metaphor that Basterretxea cherished: “Like a wave that never changes its nature but constantly changes its form, furniture must retain its highest qualities.” In this 1961 design, wave and furniture merge in a curved, light, graphic and comfortable silhouette.

The original model was timeless: its journey into the future was already mapped out. Alki has given it a new lease of life in a wider range of colours: the 2025 “Uhin” is available in 12 shades, from light oak to historic orange and Klein blue. The seat is made by compressing sheets of wood veneered with a layer of oak, a tree dear to Basterretxea’s heart.

A big thank you to the Basterretxea family who, together with Alki, are delighted to bring the artist's work back to life in our homes.

Its sleek design blends harmoniously into a variety of settings and styles. Beyond its beauty, bringing Uhin into your home is a way of keeping alive the memory of a visionary artist who enriched the Basque cultural heritage.

Treat yourself to Uhin, it's waiting for you in our Alki boutique in Larresoro.

Creation of the UHIN chair reissue project and curation of the Nestor Basterretxea exhibition by Iratzoki Studio.

Photo Credits: Mito - Basterretxea family - Irungo udal-artxiboa

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