Bambi Lounge

Fjordfiesta revives the Bambi Lounge Chair

PRESS RELEASE | Molde, December 2020

Designed by Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor in the mid-50s, the Bambi Lounge Chair is the highlight of the famous Bambi collection, employing an elegant and refined Scandinavian design language.

Fjordfiesta earlier revived the dining chairs Bambi 57/2 and 57/3 and is now presenting model 56/1 and model 56/2, comfortable and stylish lounge chairs, which are considered the most desired chairs in the collection.

– Bambi is one of Norway's foremost design products, regardless of era. It is a fantastic piece of timeless design, just the way we love it at Fjordfiesta, says general manager Pål Lunder.

Graceful, but robust

The Bambi Lounge is broader, lower and more substantial than the other chairs in the series yet retains the sophisticated elegance that characterizes the entire collection. The slightly coned legs join the armrest, which in turn continues in a graceful upward arc to join the ergonomically adjusted backrest.

The back of model 56/1 is constructed of braided cords attached to a cross rail at the bottom. This open back construction ensures that the design appears airy and light. The seat is also composed of braid but comes with a hand-sewn seat cushion for increased comfort. Model 56/2 is constructed in the same way as 56/1, but rather than braiding, the back and seat are made from leather conveying a more muscular appearance.

Fjordfiesta highlights Norwegian design legacy

From the very beginning, in 2001, Fjordfiesta has been a leader in reviving and highlighting the best of the Scandinavian design legacy by putting several Norwegian classics into production. They have revived the Hans Brattrud's Scandia series, the Krobo bench by Torbjørn Afdal and the the 1001 armchair and sofa by Sven Ivar Dysthe. It is a task that has often been neglected in Norway.

– Our neighbors took good care of their best furniture and interior products from the Scandinavian Design period, while in Norway we seem to have forgotten many of ours. That is why we are so proud to relaunch more pieces of Norwegian furniture at the highest international level, says Lunder.

Italian know-how

It is very difficult to make a chair like Bambi, both technically and in terms of craftsmanship. The production involves both advanced computer-controlled milling and artisanal work that requires high skill, great accuracy and lots of time. While Hans Brattrud's Scandia series, for example, is made of molded wood and can be produced at the furniture factory in Dokka, Bambi is more challenging to manufacture because it is made from solid wood. Fjordfiesta had to look beyond Norway's borders to find the workmanship and expertise necessary to recreate the chair without compromising on quality and artfulness.

Fjordfiesta collaborates with Fabio Carlesi in the relaunch of the Bambi collection. Carlesi is the general manager of the design gallery Utopia Retro Modern and the distribution and production company Utopia Workshop in Oslo. Through his Italian network, he has discovered a selection of small, specialized workshops in the Udine region of Northern Italy to solve the difficult problem of manufacturing the Bambi Series to such a high standard.

As Fjordfiesta now introduces Bambi 56/1 and 56/2 to both the Norwegian and international market, it is with confidence that the world will experience an elegantly designed piece of furniture of the very highest quality.

Please do not release before 11.2.21.

Bambi Lounge model 56/1 and 56/2 facts

* Designed by Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor in the mid-50s. It was probably designer Sigurd Resell who was responsible for the project at the office.
* Originally manufactured by Gustav Bahus Eftf., now manufactured by Fjordfiesta.
* Built in clear lacquered oak and walnut.
* Model 56/1 comes with braiding in polyester cords. Model 56/2 has a back and seat in black leather.
* In 2016, Fjordfiesta launched Bambi 57/2 and 57/3, a dining chair with armrests.
* Price: from NOK 24.550. Launching date: February 11. 2021.

For further information or request for an interview, please contact general manager Pål Lunder.
Telephone: +47 91 72 44 40 E-mail: paal@fjordfiesta.com