THE RELLING DESIGN COLLECTION BY RYBO
INGMAR RELLING
head office
INGMAR RELLING
Rybo As Torpevegen 111 N-5610 Øystese Norway
Ingmar Relling (1920-2002) was an impassioned designer, who created a series of functional furniture designs during his long career.
Tel: +47 56 55 51 00 Fax: +47 56 55 59 99 info@rybo.no www.rybo.no
The Siesta is without a doubt his greatest creation – a simply harmonious and classical chair, free of unnecessary details. Outside Norway, Relling is often characterized as Norway’s answer to contemporary designers of the Scandinavian Design school, such as Wegner, Jacobsen, and Ekström. As Norway’s most internationally renowned furniture designer to day, as well as one of the greatest contributors to the Scandinavian Design, his top-selling Siesta, his magnum opus, was an icebreaker that opened up international markets to Norwegian furniture exports. Simplicity, minimalism, elegance and uncompromising quality are key concepts in all Relling’s designs. Sleek, clear lines, not to mention the obvious correlation between design and function, were essential for Ingmar Relling, who always was closely involved with the chair’s development after it left the drawing board. Even in the design phase, it was crucial for Relling that the chair should be ecofriendly – with optimized use of materials, wood from sustainable forests, maximum durability and reusability. This is typical of Ingmar Relling, who, as well as being a designer, was a dedicated humanist, interested in dimensions extending beyond the purely aesthetic.
Relling worked for seven years from the age of 16 at Vestlandske Stol- og Møbelfabrikk in his home district until he started at the National School of Arts and Crafts. After he passed his diploma, he soon opened his own practice at Møre in 1950. For the first few years, Relling worked as an interior architect, fitting out, among others, schools, hotels and churches. Since 1960, Relling dedicated himself entirely to furniture design, developing his skills through collaboration with the industry to become Norway’s most internationally famous and recognized furniture designer as well as one of the greatest contributors to the concept Scandinavian Design.
RELLING DESIGN COLLECTION With his creation of the Siesta, Cox and Optima, Relling continues his most important principles from the period 1950-1960, themed in flexibility and cohesion; a space-saving combination. The development line can be clearly seen through models from Nordic in 1954, Siesta in 1965, Cox in 1974 and Optima in 1988. Relling attained an international reputation with his Siesta chair. The series represented new thinking in terms of both construction and form. Most distinctive is the simple, high-backed first edition in light beech, upholstered in canvas or leather. Since that time, Relling worked consistently with chairs made from laminated beech, above all, easy chairs. In some of his works he employed the equivalent qualities of steel.
From Relling’s range of chairs, special mention should be made of the series Siesta, Cox and Optima. All are original in terms of construction and have a compact form of expression of sculptural quality. The light, resilient and elegant chairs unite technical, functional and aesthetic qualities of an exceptional standard. He never permits one functional element to overwhelm or render others ineffectual. Only when he has achieved balanced interaction is he satisfied with a project.
NOBEL Simplicity in style - optimum comfort. Since the 1960’s – through 5 decades - the Siesta has been the most internationally successful piece of Norwegian designer furniture. It has won many prestigious international design prizes and has been bought by all the world’s major art museums, from Tokyo and Sidney in the East to London and New York in the West. Siesta continues to be an international winner among those who appreciate superior design and quality. It is included in the portfolio of leading furniture design shops. Sewing skills and upholstery of excellent handcraft, neat and precise in form and finish and at the same time with a soft and comfortable look.
Sideways focus; the shape of the form pressed wood, the neat cushions, elegant and dynamic, reinforcing the sculptural dynamic look.
CLASSIC
The combination of form pressed veneer, canvas and cords, a sensational dynamic and lightly tilting sitting comfort. Canvas of hand-woven, three layer laminated fabric, strong and springy like a trampoline.
The armrest especially designed to customer’s requests, as neat and minimalistic as possible for the utmost comfortable seating.
Only leather of premium qualities, Pure Anilin and Semi-Anilin have been Rybo’s quality ranges for the last 25 years.
Comfort and relaxation. Over the years, the Siesta chair has been adapted to suit changing styles and tastes, but the original simple, elegant design and uncompromising quality have always been maintained. These very same sleek, clear lines, not to mention the obvious correlation between design and function, were essential for Ingmar Relling, who was also closely involved with the chair’s development after it left the drawing board. Even in the design phase, it was crucial for Relling that the chair should be eco-friendly – with optimized use of materials, wood from sustainable forests, maximum durability and reusability. This is typical of Ingmar Relling, who, as well as being a designer, was a dedicated humanist, interested in dimensions extending beyond the purely aesthetic.
FIORA Purity but no compromise. A Siesta chair is made of canvas, cord, cushion and seven wooden components. The laminated moulded side sections give the chair beautiful lines, flexible seating comfort and exceptional strength at the same time. Siesta is very durable, replacement parts are available and most of it is reusable after several years – a recyclable product whose design merits are more widely appreciated as time goes on.
The model Siesta Fiora comes with or without neck cushion. The reinforced leather cord, edging all cushions, gives a good impression of sewing skills and handcraft.
This decorative and outstanding detail gives at the same time stability in the back-part of the cushion. A unique detail that firmly locks the foam and upholstery to the leather.
ICON No-nonsense - highend purism in elegance. Few pieces of design-led furniture have surpassed the sales figures of Ingmar Relling’s world-renowned Siesta and few chairs are held in such high esteem 45 years after their launch. This elegant chair with its proud profile was originally Relling’s submission to the Norwegian Furniture Council competition in 1965, where he won a well-deserved first prize. Since then, the highest distinctions have been lavished on the chair and its creator. They are sold in more than 50 countries, to companies, privates and galleries all over the world. Even to prestigious buildings like The White House Wash. D.C.
Detail of the back, upholstered on both sides with leather and an additional 10 mm foam in the front of the back. Showing unique sewing and upholstery skills, neat and sleek with a sensational sitting comfort.
The seat- and neck-cushion, together with Relling’s dynamic design, all created to strengthen the shape of the sitting human anatomy, homo sedens.
Optima is Ingmar Relling’s last major launch from 1988, the result of an emergent collaboration between father and son, Knut Relling. Optima follows on naturally from Ingmar Relling’s design understanding and construction principles. Again he provides evidence of superb harmony in which form actually follows function, reflecting precisely the essence of the functionalist, not just a question of shape, but far more importantly of content and quality of life. Simplicity and stringent but logical expression infuse Relling’s chairs with their unique character. They clearly carry the signature of a great master.
Cox is a natural addition to Ingmar Rellings interpretation of design and construction. As a humanist, the supreme perspective of his work was that the items he designed should be useful to people in their daily lives; not just a question of shape, but far more importantly of content and quality of life. With Siesta, Cox and Optima, Ingmar Relling delivers exemplary proof of his outlook. Here he provides evidence of superb harmony in which form actually follows function, reflecting precisely the essence of the functionalist. Simplicity and stringent but logical expression infuse Relling’s chairs with their unique character. They clearly carry the signature of a great master. Rybo is proud and honoured to present its selected Relling Collection of classic design chairs.
RELAX IN STYLE It is more than 40 years since the Siesta chair won the competition that inspired Ingmar Relling to create what is today considered as his masterpiece. This unique chair now has many devoted followers. The Siesta chair is comprised of only seven components in wood, canvas, cord and cushions, creating an impression of lightness and elegance. The laminated, form-pressed side pieces enhance the chair’s beautiful lines. And of course, Relling’s trademark, the fundamental quality of the chair that ensures flexible sitting comfort and, at the same time, exceptional strength.
NATURE IN FOCUS It has always been extremely important for Ingmar Relling that the chair was “environmentally correct”. Therefore it has a low weight and compact materials to minimize transport costs. At each phase, consideration has been given to optimization of materials usage. Threatened tree species have never been used. Not only is the chair exceptionally robust and durable but replacement parts are available, and most of the chair can be recycled at the end of its life. In brief it is a chair built for a lifetime. This was the philosophy when it was introduced, and it still applies today.
measures All measurements are given in centimetres: Width / Depth / Height
SIESTA NOBEL High back / arm: High back: Low back / arm: Low back:
W 72 W 62 W 72 W 62
D 83 D 83 D 80 D 80
SIESTA FIORA High back / arm: High back: Low back / arm: Low back:
W 72 W 62 W 72 W 62
D 83 H 100 D 83 H 100 D 80 H 81 D 80 H 81
SIESTA CLASSIC High back / arm: High back: Low back / arm: Low back:
W 72 W 64 W 72 W 64
D 85 D 85 D 80 D 80
H 103 H 103 H 85 H 85
SIESTA FOOTSTOOL Nobel: W 62 Classic: W 61 Icon: W 61 Footstool: W 62
D 51 D 51 D 51 D 51
H 46 H 48 H 46 H 45
H 100 H 100 H 81 H 81
SIESTA ICON W 62 D 83
COX W 72
H 100
D 36 H 77
OPTIMA W 66 D 94 (158)
H 112 (87)
PRODUCT BY RYBO
LEATHER QUALITIES
Oddmund P. Rykken, educated by Lars Kinsarvik, the founder of The Dragon Woodcarving Style, presented at The Norwegian Art Museum, became a very skilled craftsman. He started his own production in 1918. As his son, Olav O. Rykken, finished his education, the factory was expanded in 1933. Further factory extensions were made in 1954, 1960, 1967 and 1972. Following The Second World War, the production continued with good, long lasting relationship and collaboration with many renowned interior architects. This has since been a key issue for Rybo. Organic forms came into focus in the 1950’s followed by more dynamic forms during the 1960’s and onwards. The technology of form pressed wood in the furniture industry started in early 1960’s and Rybo became a pioneer in this field by launching
the famous Kengu-chair, by Solheim Design, in the first half of this decade. Mr. Ingmar Relling worked closely with Vestlandske Møbelfabrikk AS all his working life, while Rybo had close collaboration with the designers Elsa and Nordal Solheim. Good relationship with Mr. Knut Relling, the son of Mr Ingmar Relling, after the takeover, is a solid foundation of a continuing market success of the most famous international price award winner, Siesta. The vision of Rybo is to continue focusing on top design, quality and functionality together with good handcraft. Rybo aims to become the leading furniture manufacturer of internationally renowned Norwegian classic chairs.
Leather is by many recognized as the most versatile of all natural materials available. Only the leading manufacturers of exclusive leather to the furniture industry qualify as Rybo suppliers, holding environmental accreditation in conformance with SS-EN ISO 14001-2004.
Aniline Leather has a grain which varies in structure, with all the distinct features of the natural hide, and offers outstanding comfort. This leather is distinguishable by its extremely soft hand, rich, even coloring, and pronounced pebble graining. Only the highest premium Scandinavian hides are used in the production of these hides. Semi Anilin Leather has a sturdy structure and distinct character. Rybo Semi Anilin Leather has an extensive shade card. The leather is durable and suitable for public areas. Visible insect-bites and scars from healed wounds add to the elegant character of the leather.
WOODEN QUALITIES
Oak - Natural UE
Oak - Varnish EN
Beech - Natural UB
Beech - Varnish BN
Beech - Stained adler BE
Beech - Stained teak BT
Beech - Stained cherry BK
Beech - Stained maghogany BM
Beech - Stained black BS
All wooden materials incorporated in Rybo’s production is PEFC and FSC certified beech and oak.
Beech - Stained rosewood BP
head office Rybo As Torpevegen 111 N-5610 Ă˜ystese Norway Tel: +47 56 55 51 00 Fax: +47 56 55 59 99 info@rybo.no www.rybo.no