When Sigurd Resell sketched what would become the Falcon chair, he found his inspiration in an unexpected place: a hammock. The idea of a suspended structure became the starting point for a chair that would go on to become one of Norway’s best-known design classics.
This year we celebrate 55 years of Norwegian design history.
The story began in 1970, when the Industry Council invited designers to enter a furniture competition called “Et møbelstykke.” Sigurd Resell won second prize for his lounge chair, Blankvals. Its sculptural construction was unusual for its time. Instead of a traditional chair frame, the seat is suspended in a springy steel frame, giving the chair a flexible feel.
Photo: Designer Sigurd Resell (1920–2010).
The following year, in 1971, the chair went into production at Vatne Lenestolfabrikk under the name Falcon. In 1972, it had its big international breakthrough, thanks in part to the furniture fair in Cologne.
Falcon captured the spirit of the era. The combination of a springy frame, stretched canvas, and soft cushions gave the chair its distinctive look and exceptional comfort. When the base was also made in laminated wood, Falcon became a global success far beyond Norway. Its flat-pack design made it ideal for export.
Photo: Falcon at Hotel Sommerro, Oslo.
Falcon has always belonged in what is often called the epicenter of Norwegian furniture making. After several decades at Vatne Møbler, with a few breaks along the way, Falcon was relaunched in 2017.
In 2021, we took over production and added the chair to our collection. Today, Falcon is made at our own factory in Sykkylven and is one of our best-selling exports.
Over the years, Falcon has been produced in several versions. It’s now available with a high or low back, two different cushions, and a matching footstool. The chair can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leathers.
Falcon’s construction makes it possible to maintain the chair and replace parts. The canvas hangs from hooks on the steel frame, and the cushion rests in the canvas. Worn parts can be repaired or replaced without replacing the whole chair, so it can be enjoyed for generations.