1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling, chair with footstool model “Siesta”.

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About the Item

1970s, Norwegian design by Ingmar Relling. Lounge chair with footstool model “Siesta”. Original brown furniture leather, bent wood, canvas. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Manufactured by Norwegian furniture maker Westnofa in about 1970s. Original Scandinavian design directly from Denmark. The chair was checked by craftsman.Creator: Westnofa Furniture (Maker),Ingmar Relling (Designer)Dimensions: Height: 31.89 in (81 cm)Width: 24.41 in (62 cm)Depth: 28.35 in (72 cm)Seat Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Sold As: Set of 2Style: Scandinavian Modern (In the Style Of)Materials and Techniques: Beech,Canvas,LeatherPlace of Origin: NorwayPeriod: 1970-1979Date of Manufacture: 1970Condition: GoodOriginal very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction.Seller Location: Tarm, DKReference Number: 1stDibs: LU7763243435752Shop 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.