Pop Design - Verner Panton

The Danish designer and architect Verner Panton was one of the most innovative of all 20^th century designers. During this time, he created some of the most futuristic modern furniture pieces in bold colours and in many different materials. He seemed to prefer using plastics because he could mould them into the shapes that he wanted.

His designs scream 1960s, but they have become popular again because of the clean designs he have. Panton did not set out to become a furniture designer but he actually began his career as an architect. As an architect, Panton was very difficult to work with. Having said that, Panton set off to start his own firm.

During the time when he was designing architecture, he started to design furniture. Most of the furniture he designed was chairs. Many of the pieces he created in the late 1950s were chairs that were lacking from legs and backs – what most people consider what chair needs. In 1960, Verner Panton designed his very first injection –mould plastic chair. The chair was called the “S” chair, and it is still popular today.

The "S" Chair

Panton’s designs were known as “Space Age” then “Pop Art” and he is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the Pop Art style. The Panton chair has made many significant appearances in the media.

Panton experimented with interior design too.  He created unique environments with curved furniture, upholstered walls and radical lighting. His use of clean geometric patterns on walls and upholstery along with bold lighting and furniture in solid colours created luxurious looks.

Another unique piece Panton designed was the ‘Visiona’. This was a ship in which Panton was commissioned to design the interior of it.

Visiona - Interior ship

Panton created more than 50 different chair designs and many are still used today. Verner Panton deserves an iconic place in the history of design. 

References:

• Smashing Media, 2014. The Story of Scandinavian Designs: Combining Function and Aesthetics [online] available at: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/06/13/the-story-of-scandinavian-design-combining-function-and-aesthetics/

• TAGWERC, 2010. Biography of Verner Panton [online] available at: http://blog.verner-panton.de/en/biographie/

• Art directory, N/A. Verner Panton [online] available at: http://www.panton-verner.com/

• Komento, N/A. Verner Panton [online] available at: http://www.reportersvintage.com/vintage-fashion/designer/221-verner-panton.html