1917 Voss, Norway
1999 Bærum, Norway
Torbjørn Afdal – Norwegian Designer
Torbjørn Afdal (1917–1999) is remembered as one of the most prolific and respected Norwegian designers of the postwar period. Born in Voss, Norway, he studied at the National Academy of Craft and Art Industry, graduating in 1946. Shortly after, he joined Bruksbo Tegnekontor (Bruksbo Drawing Office), where he became the company’s leading designer of modern Scandinavian furniture.
Early Career & Bruksbo
Afdal’s early designs combined clean lines with exceptional craftsmanship, helping to establish Norway’s reputation in mid-century Scandinavian design.
Iconic Designs
Among his best-known creations:
Krobo Bench (1960): A minimal and multifunctional bench, still considered a design classic.
Bacchus Bar Cabinet (1955): An elegant rosewood dry bar with refined detailing.
Times Cabinet (1960s): A mobile liquor cabinet on castors, featuring rosewood and brass.
Hunter Lounge Chair (1962): A comfortable leather and wood lounge chair.
Minerva Office Chair (1965): A refined executive chair.
Awards & Recognition
Afdal’s Form Dining Set (1959) is said to have won the gold medal at the So Wohnt Europa furniture fair in Munich.
Collectors & Legacy
Torbjørn Afdal’s furniture was collected by notable figures, including US First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. Today, Afdal is celebrated as one of the defining names in Norwegian mid-century modern furniture design.
Discover available Torbjørn Afdal pieces in our collection at Creatie Art.
