Veng Armchair

Torbjørn Bekken, a Norwegian designer, graduated from the National Academy of Craft and Art Industry in 1946, marking the beginning of a noteworthy career. Immediately after graduating, he joined the progressive furniture and interior design company Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor, where he spent most of his professional life. Recognized for their ability to identify design talents and practical understanding of the market, Rastad & Relling played a pivotal role in shaping the post-World War II Norwegian design scene alongside other influential entities like Bruksbo Designstudio.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Bekken significantly contributed to the design trends of the era, marked by a shared Scandinavian affection for wood. Wood, a versatile and accessible material, became the natural choice for many designers. Bekken's design philosophy was grounded in pure function and influenced by prevailing interior styles. Notably, he was known for embracing technical challenges and viewing machinery not as a limitation but as a means to make designs accessible to a broader audience. Despite having a substantial body of work, Torbjørn Bekken remains relatively lesser-known, as he prefers working quietly behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight.