{"product_id":"vintage-cognac-leather-plywood-highback-siesta-chair-ingmar-relling-norway-1960s-scandinavian-original-mid-century-modern-furniture-icon","title":"High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather \u0026 Plywood by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1960s","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eModel · Siesta, High-Back\u003cbr\u003eDesigner · Ingmar Relling\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer · Westnofa\u003cbr\u003eOrigin · Norway\u003cbr\u003ePeriod · 1960s\u003cbr\u003eStyle · Scandinavian Modern \/ Norwegian Modern\u003cbr\u003eMaterials · Bent plywood, leather\u003cbr\u003eColour · Brown, cognac\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eObject\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe high-back Siesta is Ingmar Relling's most celebrated design in one of its most enveloping and architecturally expressive forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned in 1965, the Siesta was based on a remarkably economical structural idea. Instead of constructing a conventional upholstered armchair, Relling created a curved laminated wood frame from which the seating surface could be suspended. The frame provides strength and flexibility, while the leather follows the body without adding unnecessary volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe high-back version extends this principle into a taller silhouette. Its elongated backrest provides additional support and creates a more enclosed sitting position, while the sweeping plywood structure remains completely visible. Comfort comes not from mass, but from the relationship between tension, flexibility and the natural position of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this example, the warm brown plywood is paired with original cognac leather. The tonal relationship between the materials gives the chair a particularly rich character, while the aged leather introduces the natural variation and patina that can only develop through time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Siesta received first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing's chair competition in 1965 and subsequently became an international success. Its continued relevance comes from the clarity of Relling's original idea: genuine comfort achieved with remarkably little material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesigner\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIngmar Relling (1920–2002) was one of the defining figures of Norwegian modern furniture design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe began his career at Rastad \u0026amp; Relling in 1947 before establishing his own studio in Sykkylven in 1950. Working within one of Norway's most important furniture-producing regions, Relling developed an approach characterised by economical construction, ergonomic thinking and a sophisticated understanding of laminated wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis breakthrough came in 1965 with the Siesta Chair. The design won first prize in the Norwegian Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing's chair competition that same year and subsequently became Relling's most internationally recognised work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than hiding the engineering of the chair beneath upholstery, Relling made its construction fundamental to its appearance. The exposed bentwood frame and suspended leather seat became a particularly clear expression of the Scandinavian principle of achieving more with less.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Siesta ultimately became an icon of Norwegian design and remains the piece most closely associated with Relling's career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestnofa, a name derived from West Norway Factories, was established in the late 1950s to bring Norwegian furniture to the international market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than functioning simply as a conventional furniture factory, Westnofa brought together manufacturers from western Norway and helped introduce their work to buyers around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis coordinated approach played an important role in establishing Norwegian furniture internationally during the postwar period, placing its designers within the broader Scandinavian Modern movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIngmar Relling's Siesta became one of the designs most closely associated with the Westnofa name. Its international success made the chair an important ambassador for Norwegian furniture and one of the country's most recognisable modern designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chair retains its original cognac leather seating and bent plywood structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cognac leather remains in very good vintage condition, displaying the natural variation and patina characteristic of an original leather surface of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brown bent plywood frame is equally well preserved, showing only slight traces of use consistent with its vintage character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, the chair is presented in very good original vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth · 66 cm \/ 26 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth · 76 cm \/ 30 in\u003cbr\u003eHeight · 95 cm \/ 37.4 in\u003cbr\u003eSeat height · 43 cm \/ 17 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe High-Back Siesta Lounge Chair is ready to ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEnquiries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor questions about the piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© Back to the Furniture\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Back To The Furniture","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54538978525521,"sku":"CRWN1960CBLP1","price":1710.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/9351\/6881\/files\/36586d77-il_fullxfull.6920391073_hpmp.jpg?v=1786446532","url":"https:\/\/backtothefurniture.co\/products\/vintage-cognac-leather-plywood-highback-siesta-chair-ingmar-relling-norway-1960s-scandinavian-original-mid-century-modern-furniture-icon","provider":"Back To The Furniture","version":"1.0","type":"link"}