MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER
Verner Panton.
Verner Panton (1926-1998) was a man of many facets. His journey began
with early dreams of making it as an artist, which later led to an education in
architecture and him finally finding his place in the world of design. Along
the way, he was mentored by the likes of Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen,
who both were instrumental in shaping and influencing him on his path to
become one of the most prominent designers of the 20th century.
Throughout his career, Panton enthusiastically embraced new materials and
discovered new ways to approach product- and spatial design. His ability to
bridge healthy ergonomics and purposeful functionality with imaginative,
organic shapes and bold colours - without ever compromising on quality or
workmanship - was a constant in his experimental design process and still
highly recognized today.
Despite of his provenance and large contribution, Panton was always
considered an outsider among his contemporaries of the mid-century
Danish Modern era. Always being on the forefront of innovation meant he
was never considered mainstream, nor did he aspire to be. He was always
more interested in raising questions and challenging the status quo. He was a
provocateur. A rebel.
A famous quote by Panton to describe himself and his work was: “The main
purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination. Most
people spend their lives in dreary, grey-beige conformity, mortally afraid of
using colours. By experimenting with lighting, colours, textiles and furniture
and utilizing the latest technologies, I try to show new ways to encourage
people to use their fantasy and make their surroundings more exciting”.
His work ultimately led him to pursue a future outside of Denmark to
find
suited collaborators and partners, and he settled in Basel in 1963. During
his career, Panton worked with some of the most prolific design companies,
carving out a name for himself both in Denmark and abroad.
Panton also became a sought-after interior designer. Among his most
recognized installations are the Visiona 0 and Visiona 2 furniture fairs in 1968
and 1970, the 1971 remake of the Varna restaurant in Aarhus and of course the
1969 complete installation for German publisher, Der Spiegel’s main o
ffices
in Hamburg.
Panton’s iconic designs have emerged as contemporary design classics – as
strikingly inventive now as they were 50 years ago.
BRAND BOOK
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