Mid-century lighting by Verner Panton

Verner Panton (1926-1998) was a Danish architect and designer who is best known for his innovative and colourful furniture and lighting designs that became emblematic of the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in Gamtofte, Denmark and studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen before working with designer Arne Jacobsen in the early 1950s.

In the 1960s, Panton began experimenting with the use of plastic and other synthetic materials in furniture design, creating iconic pieces such as the "Panton Chair" (1960) and the "Heart Cone Chair" (1959). These designs were characterized by their sleek, futuristic forms and vibrant colors, and they quickly gained popularity among a younger generation of design enthusiasts.

Panton's interest in using color as an integral part of his designs led him to develop a range of innovative lighting fixtures, including the "Flowerpot" pendant lamp (1968) and the "Moon" lamp (1960) more... . These designs utilized bold colours and unconventional shapes, and helped establish Panton as one of the most influential designers of his time.

In addition to his work in furniture and lighting design, Panton also designed interiors and exhibitions. Notably, he created the "Verner Panton Bar" in Basel, Switzerland (1970), which was decorated with his signature use of bright colours and unconventional shapes.

Throughout his career, Panton received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious German Design Award in 1972. His work continues to be celebrated and exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and his designs remain popular with collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern design. less...