Sigurd Ressell Falcon Chair for Vatne Møbler · Cognac Leather, Laminated Frame · Norway, Late 1970s/80s

Sigurd Ressell (1920–2010) is one of the most influential furniture designers of Norwegian Mid-Century. After studying at the National College of Art and Design in Oslo (graduating in 1947), he opened his own studio around 1950 and designed for several Scandinavian manufacturers, including the Danish workshop of Niels Vodder. In 1968, he became chief designer at Vatne Lenestolfabrikk (Vatne Møbler) in Vatne, Western Norway. It was from this position that his most famous design emerged: the Falcon Chair, originally developed in 1970 for an industrial designer competition under the name "Blank Vals" and produced in series by Vatne from 1971. The armchair was so successful that Vatne was able to triple its global sales within two years – especially in the USA, Japan, Germany, and Australia.

The Falcon Chair is one of the iconic seating furniture pieces of Scandinavian modernism. The hammock-like leather seat stretches freely between an X-shaped frame – a construction that creates the feeling of a floating, body-relieving seating experience. The original version appeared in 1971 with a chrome-plated steel frame; in 1974, Vatne added a lighter version with a glued laminated wood (laminate) frame, which has since become the standard version and is still produced today by the Norwegian manufacturer Rybø.

This particular example belongs to the laminate variant and dates from the production of the late 1970s to 1980s. The upholstery is made of cognac leather – the classic color of the model, which gains character with the patina of each year. The upholstery is very comfortable, and the armchair is pleasant to use. Due to its construction, the Falcon Chair can be completely disassembled and is shipped in a flat DHL package; reassembly is easy and requires no tools.

A documented piece of Norwegian furniture history for collectors of Scandinavian Mid-Century design, as well as for anyone looking for an iconic lounge chair – with an unmistakable silhouette, unique seating construction, and the quiet elegance that has characterized the model for over fifty years.

Dimensions: Width approx. 79 cm · Depth approx. 75 cm · Height approx. 100 cm · Seat height approx. 47 cm