Designer

Fredrik Kayser

1924 - 1968

Fredrik A. Kayser was one of Norway’s foremost furniture designers, known for his simple, timeless style and keen eye for detail. Through his work, he created design classics that are still regarded as highlights of Norwegian furniture history and continue to inspire designers today.

The Early Years

Fredrik Kayser (1924–1968) was a prominent Norwegian furniture designer, born and raised in Minde, Bergen. He was known for his ability to combine elegance with functionality. With a father who worked as a furniture agent, Kayser was introduced to furniture design at an early age, which laid the foundation for his lifelong passion. In 1940, he moved to Oslo, and after completing his education at the Statens håndverks- og industriskole (SHKS) in 1945, he quickly became a central figure in the Scandinavian design movement;- alongside notable designers such as Afdal, Brattrud, and Rastad & Relling.

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Kayser’s Design Journey

Fredrik Kayser began his career at Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor, where he worked from 1945 to 1947 and again from 1952 to 1956. In 1956, he took the leap and opened his own studio, where he designed furniture that was not only aesthetically appealing but also highly functional. His style was characterized by lightness and modernity, clearly inspired by Danish furniture design.

There is no doubt that Fredrik Kayser left behind an impressive legacy. Between 1956 and 1968, he designed a total of 327 models, a remarkable achievement by any standard. Several of his pieces are now considered design classics, most notably the Model 711 lounge chair. This chair won first prize in the Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing Industry’s chair competition in 1960 and has since become a symbol of Kayser’s innovative approach to design.

Legacy and Aftermath

Sadly, Kayser’s life was marked by health issues beginning in 1966, which significantly reduced his output. Despite these challenges, he completed eight models in 1966, two in 1967, and one final design in 1968 before tragically passing away on August 19th, at just 44 years old.

In his obituary, fellow furniture designer Sven Ivar Dysthe wrote:
“... he left behind a noble legacy in Norwegian furniture design. I choose the word noble because it reflects his refined sense of proportion and delicate attention to detail. Those of us who knew him saw the connection between the cultured nature of his personality and his work.”

Kayser’s influence on Norwegian furniture design is undeniable, and his timeless creations continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts today. His ability to unite aesthetics and function ensures that his designs remain relevant and admired in modern interiors.

- 1st prize in the Industry Council for Furniture and Furnishing Industry chair competition, 1960
- 1st prize in a competition organized by Bransjerådet, 1960, 4th prize, 1962, 3rd prize, 1965
- 2nd prize in De Forenede Ullvarefabrikker’s furniture competition, 1963

Møbelmessene i Stavanger (Furniture Fairs in Stavanger):
Between 1961 and 1966, this was an important platform for Norwegian furniture design. Sigurd Resell presented his innovative concepts here, contributing to the promotion of new design.

"Norsk brukskunst", Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum, Bergen (1966):
This exhibition showcased a wide range of Norwegian applied arts, including Resell’s furniture, which combined traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

"Norske møbler i fortid og nåtid", Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum, Bergen (1967):
This traveling exhibition highlighted the development of Norwegian furniture design, with Resell’s work as a central example of the fusion between modernity and tradition. It was also shown at the Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum in Trondheim the same year.

"Møbelskjønn", Sjølyst, Oslo (1978):
This fair celebrated the best of Norwegian furniture design, with Resell as a key exhibitor, focusing on aesthetics and craftsmanship.

World Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, Tokyo (1978–1979):
This international exhibition highlighted Resell’s contributions to modern craftsmanship and helped raise global awareness of Norwegian design.

World Contemporary Crafts Exhibition, Kyoto (1978–1979):
As part of the same series, Resell’s work was exhibited to showcase Norwegian design on a global platform.

"Scandinavian Modern Design 1880–1980", The Smithsonian Institution, New York (1982):
This exhibition placed Resell’s designs within the historical framework of Scandinavian modernism, emphasizing Norway’s contribution to the tradition.

Sæter, Amund (2015). Møbeleventyret Vatne, Self-published

Linder, Mats (2021). Fredrik A. Kayser Møbeldesign, Norsk Design og kunsthåndverk x Papiret Publishing House

Linder, Mats (2011). Norske Designmøbler 1940-1975, Samler & Antikkbørsen. 

Rydland, Ragnhild (2016). Norsk møbeldesign: En historie om form og funksjon, Gyldendal Norsk Publishing House

Mæland, Randi (2017). Design fra Norge: En reise gjennom tidene, Universitetsforlaget.