Verner Panton

1926-1998

“A less successful experiment is preferable to a beautiful platitude” Verner Panton

He acquired experience in Arne Jacobsen’s studio, including designing the legendary “ant” chair. As an independent designer, he became known as an avant-garde creator, visionary, and innovator in opposition to his mentor. He was often considered a provocateur and enfant terrible in architecture and design. He did not accept ordinariness. The basis of his designs were sophisticated geometric shapes and a rich palette of solid colors. 

He was one of the creators of futuristic modernism and pop art, a master of creation from plastic at a time when it was mainly wood processed by traditional carpentry techniques. 

His designs, bold and futuristic, were controversial. Chairs in cylindrical or rounded shapes rarely had solid backs and legs. 

One of his famous “Cone” chairs became the subject of two scandals. The first involved a photo shoot with nude models for Mobila magazine. The second occurred in New York, where police ordered it removed from a Fifth Avenue store window because it attracted a crowd of onlookers that was too large. 

Panton also became famous as a creator of lamps. He developed his catalog of their essential features. Among others, hiding the glaring light source and using the lampshade elements as reflectors should help the light disperse evenly.  

Starting from furniture and lamps, he also created terrific interior designs, lively and lavish. Psychedelic, vibrant, and noisy. Innovative, even by today’s standards. The basis for this work was the results of collaboration with psychologists to determine how colors and patterns affect the human psyche, mood, and perception. Panton’s interior landscape arrangements have become legendary. 

Most popular designs:
Chairs: Cone, Heart Chair, “S,” Panton.
Lamps: Spiral, Moon, Spiegel system, Fun