Among the giants of Danish design, Verner Panton established a unique reputation for his
exuberant originality and tireless experimentation. Panton created lamps, furniture and
textiles – and was also a sought-after interior designer. Although he was at the forefront
of mid-century Danish Modern, Panton’s contribution was anything but mainstream. He
enthusiastically embraced new materials, he splashed with a bold colour palette, and he
playfully imbued many of his sculptural creations with a strong graphical expression –
without ever compromising on quality or workmanship.
Panton’s iconic designs have emerged as contemporary design classics – as strikingly
inventive now as they were 50 years ago.
Panton’s interior installations have attained legendary status. The most famous examples
are the ‘Visiona’ ship installations for the Cologne Furniture Fair (1968 and 1970), the
Spiegel publishing headquarters in Hamburg (1969) and the Varna restaurant in Aarhus
(1971).
Verner Panton in his own words:
“The main purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination. Most
people spend their lives living 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 imagination
and make their surroundings more exciting”.