Verner Panton

Verner Panton was born Feb. 13, 1926 and served as a 20th century architect and furniture designer. Panton studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Art and graduated in 1951. He initially worked at the architectural practice of Danish architect Arne Jacobsen but eventually started his own design firm.

Some of Panton's first works included a collapsible house and his Cardboard House and the Plastic House, which were produced in 1955 and 1960, respectively. Toward the end of the 1950s, Panton began creating distinct furniture that had no legs or discernible back. And in 1960, Panton developed a single-form injection-molded plastic chair, also known as his "Stacking chair." This piece was inspired by the human body and was mass produced.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Panton began creating innovative psychedelic environments. These settings were filled with curved furniture, wall upholstering, textiles and lighting and included a hotel in Europe that utilized circular patterns and cylindrical furniture. Panton's pieces regained popularity late in the 20th century. Today, many of his works are still produced by the Vitra furniture company and others worldwide. Throughout his career, Panton created works that often were known to have futuristic designs and featured a vibrant mix of colors. He developed unique furniture and settings until his death on Sept. 5, 1998.

Verner Panton was born Feb. 13, 1926 and served as a 20th century architect and furniture designer.

Panton studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Art and graduated in 1951. He initially worked at the architectural practice of Danish architect Arne Jacobsen but eventually started his own design firm.

Some of Panton's first works included a collapsible house and his Cardboard House and the Plastic House, which were produced in 1955 and 1960, respectively. Toward the end of the 1950s, Panton began creating distinct furniture that had no legs or discernible back. And in 1960, Panton developed a single-form injection-molded plastic chair, also known as his "Stacking chair." This piece was inspired by the human body and was mass produced.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Panton began creating innovative psychedelic environments. These settings were filled with curved furniture, wall upholstering, textiles and lighting and included a hotel in Europe that utilized circular patterns and cylindrical furniture.

Panton's pieces regained popularity late in the 20th century. Today, many of his works are still produced by the Vitra furniture company and others worldwide.

Throughout his career, Panton created works that often were known to have futuristic designs and featured a vibrant mix of colors. He developed unique furniture and settings until his death on Sept. 5, 1998.