Meet Ferdinand: Our First Collaboration with Norwegian Designers, Gridy
Meet the seating collection that combines simple shapes and the functional aesthetic that Scandinavian furniture is known for.
Introducing Ferdinand by Gridy, a traditional Scandinavian seating collection reinterpreted for the North American market. Ferdinand is the first collaboration between Grand Rapids Chair Co and Gridy.
Founded in 2009 by Lars Olav Dybdal and Wilhelm Greig Teisner, Gridy has quickly become known throughout Europe for their modern aesthetic as it applies to furniture and accessories for the home. This collaboration is the first time they have created a product specifically for the North American market.
Ferdinand is a modern, mixed-material seating collection with Scandinavian sensibilities. The collection combines simple shapes and the functional aesthetic that Scandinavian furniture is known for with the industrial prowess of American manufacturing.
"When we started working on the concept, we thought it would be nice to make a collection that looks like it could've been made from wood but celebrates the manufacturing capabilities that has become synonymous with Grand Rapids Chair Co, and their mixed-material portfolio," says Lars Olav Dybdal, co-founder of Gridy.
The collection is comprised of chairs and stools featuring a sturdy powder coated steel frame available in either wood or upholstered seating components.
"We're always looking for emerging design talent, and when we connected with Gridy, there was a natural chemistry. Their approach to design felt right at home in the Grand Rapids Chair Co portfolio, and their ability to create functional products with a sense of humor and charm is impressive. Ferdinand balances everything we love about Scandinavian design with our capabilities as a manufacturer. We're excited to introduce Gridy to the North American consumer and couldn't think of a better product do to that with," noted the Director of Marketing for Grand Rapids Chair, Dean Jeffery.
The collection is named after the popular children’s book character, Ferdinand the Bull, who is famously known for wanting to sniff flowers instead of fighting. The design reflects the character’s sturdy proportions and playful demeanor.
“The starting point for the Ferdinand collection was to create a sturdy and comfy chair. We found inspiration in the ox, a strong beautiful beast. The main visual feature in the chair is the back bar inspired by the bull’s horn,” described Wilhelm Greig Teisner.
All pieces will be available in an expanded range of 30 standard powder coat colors, or a 150+ premium colors available upon request. Wood components available in 16 standard finishes, and the seat and back can be upholstered in any combination of commercial textile.
