Falcon Lounge Chair in Dark Brown Leather & Plywood by Sigurd Ressell for Vatne Møbler, 1970s

Model · Falcon
Designer · Sigurd Ressell
Manufacturer · Vatne Møbler
Origin · Norway
Period · 1970s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Norwegian Modern
Materials · Bent plywood, leather
Colour · Brown, dark brown

Object

The Falcon Chair is one of the most distinctive expressions of Sigurd Ressell's experiments with suspended seating and one of the defining objects of 1970s Norwegian furniture design.

Developed around 1970 and introduced by Vatne Møbler shortly afterwards, the Falcon was based on an unconventional structural idea. Rather than constructing comfort around a conventional upholstered frame, Ressell suspended a generous leather seat within an independent supporting structure, allowing the body to settle naturally into the chair.

The earliest Falcon used a metal base, but in 1974 Ressell developed the laminated bentwood structure seen here. Four sweeping wooden elements form a remarkably economical supporting frame, with the leather seating suspended between them. The separation between rigid structure and soft seating gives the Falcon its characteristic floating appearance.

In this example, the brown bentwood frame is paired with a deep dark brown leather cushion, creating a particularly restrained and tonal version of the design. The similarity between the two colours allows the construction itself to become more prominent, from the intersecting plywood base to the suspended leather above it.

The Falcon feels relaxed without becoming visually heavy. Its low position, open structure and hammock-like seat embody a distinctly Scandinavian approach to comfort, where the construction remains visible and every element has a clear purpose.

Designer

Sigurd Ressell (1920–2010) was a Norwegian interior and industrial designer whose work played an important role in the development of postwar Norwegian furniture.

After studying carpentry at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft & Art Industry, Ressell worked for Rastad & Relling from 1948 until 1968, designing furniture and interiors during a formative period for Scandinavian modernism.

During the 1960s, his work increasingly explored steel structures, suspended seating and unconventional methods of supporting the body. These experiments eventually established the principles behind his most celebrated design.

Ressell joined Vatne Møbler as chief designer in 1968, and the Falcon followed around 1970. Originally developed under the name Blank Vals, the chair entered production as the Falcon in 1971 and quickly became an international commercial success.

The later laminated wood version refined the concept further, combining the relaxed character of suspended seating with the bentwood construction deeply associated with Scandinavian furniture.

Manufacturer

Vatne Møbler was established in 1946 in Vatne, Sunnmøre, originally under the name Vatne Lenestolfabrikk.

The Norwegian manufacturer became particularly recognised for high-quality upholstered furniture and its collaborations with designers including Fredrik A. Kayser and Sigurd Ressell.

The Falcon became one of Vatne's defining designs. Its international popularity during the 1970s helped establish both the manufacturer and Ressell's work far beyond Norway, with the chair finding an especially strong audience in the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia.

The introduction of the laminated bentwood base in 1974 made the Falcon lighter and easier to distribute internationally while creating the distinctive sculptural structure for which the design remains widely recognised.

Condition

The chair retains its fully original bent plywood structure, which remains in good vintage condition and preserves its original brown finish.

The dark brown leather cushion has been refreshed and presents beautifully, retaining the softness and natural character appropriate to the design.

The wooden structure shows light traces of age and use consistent with its vintage character while remaining structurally sound and well preserved.

Overall, the Falcon Lounge Chair is presented in very good restored vintage condition while retaining its original frame.

Dimensions

Width · 78 cm / 30.7 in
Depth · 78 cm / 30.7 in
Height · 83 cm / 32.6 in
Seat height · 38 cm / 14.9 in

Included

The Falcon 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.

Availability

The Falcon Lounge Chair is ready to ship within 10 business days.

Shipping

Worldwide 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.

Enquiries

For questions about the piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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