Mid-century furniture by Torbjorn Afdal (Norway)

Norwegian mid-century furniture designer Torbjørn Afdal (1917 - 1999) was born in Voss, Norway, and studied at the State Crafts and Art Industry School in Oslo. After graduating in 1946, he was hired by Bruksbo Tegnekontor, a design office that produced furniture for some of Norway's leading manufacturers. Afdal quickly rose through the ranks at Bruksbo, and by the early 1950s, he was one of the company's top designers.

Afdal's designs were heavily influenced by Danish furniture design, and he is often mistaken for a Danish designer. However, he developed his own unique style, characterized by its elegance, simplicity, and functionality.

Some of Afdal's most famous designs include the Broadway armchair (1958), the Form chair (1960), and the Krobo multipurpose bench (1960). His furniture was purchased by Jacqueline Kennedy as the First Lady in the White House and by the Japanese Emperor.

In addition to his more... work for Bruksbo, Afdal also designed furniture for other Norwegian manufacturers, such as Nesjestranda and Mellemstrand Trevareindustri. He also designed office furniture for the Norwegian government, including the chairs for the Stortinget (Norwegian Parliament).

Afdal's work was highly respected during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards for his designs. He was also a member of the Norwegian Society of Arts and Crafts and the Norwegian Design Council.

Afdal died in 1999 at the age of 81. His work continues to be popular today, and some of his designs remain in production by Norwegian manufacturers.