Westnova – Ingmar Relling 'Siesta' Lounge Chair

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About the Item

Ingmar Relling ‘Siesta’ Lounge Chair. Bent plywood frame with sling black leather seat pads.
Designed by Ingmar Relling, 1965. Produced by Westnova, Norway. 1980’s production.
Padding and frame in excellent condition with only light signs of use.

This item can be disassembled for international shipping to greatly reduce shipping costs. Reassembly is quick and easy.Creator: Westnofa Furniture (Manufacturer),Ingmar Relling (Designer)Dimensions: Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 24.41 in (62 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)Style: Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)Materials and Techniques: Bentwood,LeatherPlace of Origin: NorwayPeriod: Late 20th CenturyDate of Manufacture: 1980’sCondition: GoodWear consistent with age and use. Padding and frame in excellent condition with only light signs of use.Seller Location: Bern, CHReference Number: 1stDibs: LU9435240087912Shop All Westnofa Furniture

Westnofa Furniture

While Norway comprises something of an unsung chapter in the history of Scandinavian modernism, an export company called Westnofa shouldnt be overlooked. It represented a collective of the countrys leading manufacturers to promote and export their furniture worldwide. Westnofa was key to the success of Norways mid-century designers and furniture brands, and fostered the growth of entities that might otherwise be unknown to todays design aficionados.

Norways furniture factories were largely destroyed during World War II, and while the countrys sophisticated works designed in teak, pine and other prized woods had earned a place in Scandinavian modernism, its output was overshadowed by big names such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen whod earned icon status in Finland and Denmark, respectively. Westnofa, a name derived from West Norway Factories, took shape in the late 1950s in order to circumvent the limitations that the countrys furniture industry had faced in the areas of marketing and production. Some of the manufacturers connected to Westnofa were P.I. Langlo Mbelfabrikk, Ekornes, Stokke and Vestlandske.

Westnofa took great pains to devise the most cost-effective and efficient method of packing and shipping worldwide. Flat-pack assembly for lightweight shipping was the result. In neighboring Sweden during the late 1940s, DUX president and furniture designer Folke Ohlsson put the same idea into practice. Flat-pack assembly saved space in warehouses and money on transportation. Its a breakthrough that survives today namely at popular Swedish brand IKEA.

While its unclear if Westnofa also produced furniture in addition to exporting the goods of a group of manufacturers, some of the more well-known designers that are today mentioned alongside the company include Ingmar Relling, Torstein Nilsen and Jens Nielsen. Relling is best known for seating and his most famous piece associated with Westnofa is his high-backed Siesta chair, which features supple leather cushions atop a bentwood frame. Torstein Nilsen designed an elegant glass-topped bentwood dining table that is also commonly linked with Westnofa. Jens Nielsen created minimalist, sculptural lounge chairs in birch and plywood that are connected with the Westnofa name.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Westnofa seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.