Mid-Century Teak Bravo Chair by Sigurd Ressell for Hjellegjerde Møbelfabrik

The Bravo armchair was designed by Norwegian designer Sigurd Ressell in 1957, during his collaboration with the Rastad & Relling design studio. The model was manufactured by the Norwegian company Hjellegjerde Møbelfabrikk. Created a year after the Blinken armchair, the Bravo shares similar structural principles but features more substantial upholstered armrests and a separate head cushion. The chair’s structure consists of a teak wood frame and an upholstered body. A distinctive feature is its widely spaced legs, connected by crossbars that stabilize the structure while remaining clearly visible. The high backrest extends into a headrest, ensuring a comfortable position during prolonged sitting. The seat is deep, and the slightly reclined design encourages relaxation. The wooden frame has been professionally and carefully restored by removing old coatings, staining and finishing with varnish. This work was carried out by a talented carpenter with over 20 years of experience. The seat and backrest have been newly upholstered in a beige wool fabric. Thanks to these efforts, the armchair looks magnificent and is ready to serve its new owner for years to come, withstanding the rigors of daily use. The Bravo belongs to a group of Norwegian lounge chairs from the 1950s that prioritized both structural design and user comfort. In this design, the wood remains visible along the entire length of the frame, while upholstered elements fill the spaces between its individual sections. As a result, the armchair looks impressive even when placed away from a wall, and its form is clearly defined from various angles. Surviving examples of the Bravo model are primarily found in teak versions. Sigurd Ressell (1920–2010) was a Norwegian designer and cabinetmaker, active primarily from the 1950s onwards. Between 1948 and 1968, he collaborated with the Rastad & Relling studio, where designs such as the Bravo and Blinken were created. Seat height: 41 cm