Finnish furniture designer Eero Aarnio was snubbed by Ikea

His way: Aarnio is a bit of a maverick in the furniture business and that suits him just fine. Photos: eeroaarniodesign.com

A well-told story revolves around Finnish furniture iconoclast Eero Aarnio’s famous Ball Chair – yes, that space age sliced-off fibreglass sphere with a cocoon of cushions that has played intimate host to many a celebrity’s legs, Princess Grace of Monaco, Will Smith and Twiggy, among others.

But the man who created the famous object will give you the real origin story.