Ib Arberg studied architecture in Denmark, but always had an interest in furniture design. In 1967 Arberg moved to Sweden with his wife, interior architect Anne Arberg and in 1972 the two of them founded their own architectural office Arberg & Arberg. Initially the company alternated between traditional architectural commissions with assignments from Swedish furniture manufacturers.
During the first year, Arberg & Arberg designed their most iconic piece, the rocking chair Parrot Chair, with a birdcage inspired seat in chrome plated steel with corduroy upholstery hanging from a black steel stand. Already in 1970 Ib Arberg had gotten the idea for the piece, and the first full scale model he made himself with metal tubes that he “bent over the knee”.
The Parrot Chair, produced by Abra Möbler was introduced on the international market in London 1973, and at the Furniture fair in Copenhagen a year later. When Arberg & Arberg in the mid 70’s started to expand their collection, they incorporated the Parrot Chair in their own design company Ibar Design. The Parrot Chair was made in three different versions, besides the one with a black stand there was also one where the “cage” hung from the roof in a chain, and one on a chrome plated steel base.
In 1975 Arberg launched what is best described as a one-man hammock, made with the same black steel stand as used in the Parrot Chair but with a hanging seat made of chrome plated steel tubes and canvas. The new model was called Peacock Chair and was designed for outdoor use.
After several creative furniture designs, Aberg & Aberg decided in 1982 to focus full time on their architectural business.
