Lowback Falcon Chairs by Sigurd Resell for Vatne Mobler, 1960s, Set of 3

About This Piece

Vintage Design

An incredibly rare complete and original Falcon lounge set by Mid century Norwegian designer Sigurd Ressell for Vatne Møbler. Featuring the original chrome frame version of the chair design in black leather a matching footstool and the original riven slate topped coffee table. Originally designed in 1970 with production start in 1971 with the chrome frame as standard but very few chairs were made with the leather strap belt style buckles that join the hanging seat to the chrome frame.

You can see that again if you search online as virtually every chair you’ll see has metal retainers instead of the leather belts. By 1974 production was altered to change the chrome frame to a lighter bentwood, laminated structure to allow quicker manufacture and easier distribution and as Vatner Mobler’s sales of the chair tripled over just a 2 year period the Falcon chair soon became an icon of outstanding design. However, the chrome Falcons have always been considered the most beautiful and most sought after representation of the design and of course were exactly as Ressell first designed them. This particular set also benefits from having the original slate topped table to complete the entire ensemble Vatne offered to prospective purchasers – and again that is very rare as it’s almost impossible to find one of the original slate tables in good condition let alone as part of an original complete set. As we desired to keep the original buckles and straps they come with wear and marks, the chrome shows it is from the early seventies with signs of repeated polishing over the last 50 years and the ottoman support has a burn hole that is covered by the cushion. The back of the cushion is not in pristine shape but we chose not to replace it due to the combination with the chair that would be lot at that point. All in all it’s an outstanding and incredibly comfortable and accommodating set that would become a centrepiece in any home.

With the leather of the seat in very good condition given it's age and the above signs of use we give this set a very good vintage condition rating.

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Creator	Sigurd Ressell
Manufacturer	Vatne Møbler
Design Period	1960 to 1969
Year
Production Period	1960 to 1969
Country of Manufacture	Norway
Identifying Marks	This piece has been attributed based on archival documentation, such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources
Style	Mid-Century
Detailed Condition	Good — This vintage item remains fully functional, but it shows sign of age through scuffs, dings, faded finishes, minimal upholstery defects, or visible repairs.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use
Product Code	GWD-1282751
Materials	Aluminum, Leather
Color	Black
Width	79 cm 79 cm
Depth	80 cm 80 cm
Height	82 cm 82 cm
Seat Height	43 cm
Weight Range	Standard — Between 40kg and 80kg

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	Netherlands
Returns	Returns accepted within fourteen days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
Vintage	Choosing vintage and antique furniture reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste and reduces demand for new materials and extends the life of the products we use.

Delivery Options

Front Door Delivery: (Included in Every Order)	A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below). The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.
In-Home Delivery: (For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)	A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers. The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.

Front Door Delivery:
(Included in Every Order)

A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below).
The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

In-Home Delivery:
(For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)

A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers.
The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine every order upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damage or missing or incorrect pieces, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations of missing, damaged, or incorrect item(s) represents your acceptance of the complete order in perfect condition.

About the Creator

Sigurd Ressell

Norwegian interior and industrial designer Sigurd Ressell (also spelled Resell) was particularly active during the 1950s and ‘60s and is best known for his collaboration with Vatne Møbler, which resulted in the iconic Falcon Chair.

Born in 1920 in Meldal, Norway, Ressell studied carpentry at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft & Art Industry from 1943 until 1947. Sometime in the late 1940s or early ‘50s, Ressell established his own studio, designing for various clients and manufacturers, including Niels Vodder. From 1948 to 1968, Ressell created interiors and furniture for Norwegian furniture brand Rastad & Relling. Notable designs include the 56/1 and 61/1 Chairs for the Bambi Series (1955), the Blinken Armchair (1956), and furniture for the expansion of the Norwegian Parliament (1950s).

During the 1960s, Ressell began experimenting with steel, which he implemented in designs like his Circle Armchair (1960s). In 1965, in collaboration with designer Cato Mansrud, Ressell designed the steel and canvas, safari-style Irafas Chair and Irafas Table for A. Grasaasen. The chair—which is safari spelled backwards—won second place at the Industry Council Chair Competition in 1965 and the Gold Medal at Ljubljana’s Biennial in 1966.

In 1968, Ressell became the chief designer for Norwegian furniture company Vatne, and his seminal Falcon Chair (1970) soon followed. Originally named Blank Vals, the hammock-like chair was the result of a furniture competition for the Industry Council. Vatne began production of the chair in 1971 under the new name. Within two years, Vatne’s sales tripled as Falcon Chairs sold worldwide, particularly in the United States, Japan, Germany, and Australia. Originally produced with a chrome frame, the chair was redesigned with a lighter laminated base in 1974 for easier distribution. Although the chair’s popularity led to copycat versions in other countries—such as the Danish Susperstar Chair—Vatne eventually won the patent rights in court. Today, the laminated version is produced by furniture manufacturer Rybø.

In 1990, Oslo’s Vognremissen Gallery honored Ressell with the exhibition Sigurd Ressell—Chairs for 30 Years.

Ressell passed away in 2010.