Ingmar Relling Siesta Chair, Westnofa Norway — Aubergine Leather

The Siesta lounge chair, designed by Ingmar Relling in 1965 and produced by Westnofa of Ørsta, Norway, is one of the defining objects of Scandinavian Modern furniture. Relling's solution — a cantilevered laminated beech frame that flexes under load, suspending a canvas sling laced through brass grommets — earned the chair a gold medal at the 1966 Ljubljana Furniture Fair and sustained production for decades. This example carries a removable cushion in deep aubergine leather, confirmed genuine by the original "Ekte Hud / Genuine Leather / Echtes Leder" hangtag still attached. The cushion set comprises a full-length button-tufted back panel and a separate rounded seat cushion, both in the same rich plum tone, plus a cylindrical headrest pillow. The pale lacquered beech frame retains its original finish and shows the characteristic open-back canvas sling construction visible from the rear — one of the chair's most recognizable design signatures.

Supplemental hangtags confirm dual manufacture through AS Vestlandske Møbler of Sykkylven (N-6230) and Westnofa of Ørsta — both Norwegian firms whose collaboration produced the Siesta across multiple decades. The Siesta was produced in high-back and low-back configurations, armless and with arms; this is the high-back, armless version. The Vestlandske / Westnofa dual-branding tag is consistent with production from the late 1970s through the 1990s.

CONDITION

Good overall and structurally sound — frame is rigid, sling intact, all lacing and brass grommets present. The headrest shows a distinct area of fading and surface discoloration to the upper face of the leather, clearly visible in images; the remainder of the cushion leather is supple and presents well with soft use creasing only. Canvas sling and frame finish are clean with no breaks, splits, or notable losses observed.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 38.25" H × 25" W × 22" D
• Seat Height: 18" H × 25" W × 19" D
• Designer: Ingmar Relling, 1965 (Siesta model)
• Manufacturer: AS Vestlandske Møbler, Sykkylven, Norway / Westnofa, Ørsta, Norway
• Configuration: High-back, armless
• Frame: Cantilevered laminated bentwood, pale lacquered beech
• Suspension: Canvas sling, laced through brass grommets
• Cushion: Removable; button-tufted aubergine genuine leather, with separate headrest pillow
• Hardware: Brass-tone bolts and grommets
• Country of Origin: Norway
• Original hangtags present: Ekte Hud / Genuine Leather; Vestlandske / Westnofa care card
• Production date: consistent with late 1970s–1990s
• Bob Ross (6'2") Shown for Scale