Sigurd Resell’s Falcon Chair Turns 55

When Sigurd Resell sketched what would become the Falcon chair, his starting point was a hammock. The idea of a suspended structure became the basis for a lounge chair that, 55 years after it entered production, remains one of Norway’s best-known design classics. Today Falcon is made by Hjelle at its own factory in Sykkylven.

ORSENG Porsche A.Bratveit 09

The design

The story begins in 1970, when the Norwegian Industry Council invited designers to the furniture competition “Et møbelstykke”. Resell took second prize with a lounge chair called Blankvals. Its 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, gently moving feel.

FalconFirst HighbackBlacksteel 1

From Blankvals to Falcon

In 1971 the chair went into production at Vatne Lenestolfabrikk under the name Falcon. Its international breakthrough came in 1972, helped in part by the furniture fair in Cologne. The combination of a springy frame, stretched canvas and soft cushions gave Falcon its distinctive look and its comfort. When the base was also produced in laminated wood, the chair found a market far beyond Norway, and its flat-pack construction made it well suited to export.

Falcon sigurd resell LKhjelle 2

Back in Western Norway

Falcon has always belonged to the region often described as the centre of Norwegian furniture making. After several decades at Vatne Møbler, with a few breaks along the way, the chair was relaunched in 2017. In 2021 Hjelle took over production and added Falcon to its collection, where it is now one of the company’s best-selling pieces.

Falcon is currently available in steel with a high or low back, two cushion options and a matching footstool. Falcon First, the original version, is recognised by its buttoned cushion. The chair can be upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leathers.

FalconFirst HighbackSortogkrom

Designed to last

Falcon’s construction allows the chair to be maintained rather than replaced. The canvas hangs from hooks on the steel frame, and the cushion rests in the canvas. Worn parts can be repaired or swapped individually, which reduces waste and lets the chair stay in use for generations.

SigurdResell portrett

About Sigurd Resell

Sigurd Resell (1920–2010) trained as a carpenter before studying at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry from 1943 to 1947. He then joined Rastad & Relling, where he remained until 1968, apart from a period between 1953 and 1956. There he designed some of the most sculptural Norwegian furniture of the post-war years and became known for his work in steel.

By Editorial Team, ScandinavianDesign.com