Falcon Lounge Chairs in Dark Brown Leather & Bentwood by Sigurd Ressell for Vatne Møbler, 1970s, Set of 2

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

Object

The Falcon Chair is one of the most distinctive expressions of Norwegian design from the 1970s.

Designed by Sigurd Ressell around 1970, the chair emerged from his experiments with suspended seating and the idea that comfort could be created through tension rather than conventional upholstery. Its construction separates the supporting structure from the seat itself, allowing the leather cushion to appear almost suspended within the frame.

The Falcon was initially developed with a metal base before evolving into the laminated bentwood version that became internationally recognised. The crossed wooden structure gives the chair a strong architectural presence, while the generously proportioned leather cushion softens the geometry and creates its characteristic relaxed sitting position.

This pair combines warm brown bentwood with deep dark brown leather, giving the design an especially rich and understated character. Sculptural from every angle, the Falcon works equally well as functional seating and as a strong architectural element within an interior.

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.

His experimentation increasingly focused on unconventional structures and suspended seating. In 1968, Ressell joined Vatne Møbler as chief designer, leading to the development of the Falcon Chair shortly afterwards.

Introduced commercially by Vatne in the early 1970s, the Falcon became Ressell's defining work and an international success, particularly across Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia. Its combination of structural clarity, comfort and visual drama remains unmistakably representative of 1970s Norwegian design.

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.

Ressell's Falcon Chair became one of Vatne's greatest commercial successes, helping establish both the company and Norwegian furniture design in international markets during the 1970s.

Condition

This vintage set of two Falcon Chairs is presented in excellent vintage condition.

The original bentwood frames remain well preserved, retaining their warm brown finish and showing natural traces of age consistent with vintage use.

The dark brown leather cushions have been carefully refreshed, restoring their depth and suppleness while maintaining the character of the original design.

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 set of two Falcon Lounge Chairs 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 set 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 pieces, condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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