Learn More About Panton Textiles and Fabrics
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Vintage Fabrics and MCM Textiles by Verner Panton (b. 1926 – 1998) – Panton, is considered to be one of Denmark’s most iconic and recognizable mid century modern designers. Using a child like imaginative approach, Panton created futuristic and innovative interiors as well furniture designs.
Panton began his career as a painter before studying architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Art. After graduating in 1951, Panton worked for the iconic Mid 20th century architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. This experience has provided young Panton with the tools to be able to go off and create his own iconic designs and decors.
Way back in the 1970’s, Verner Panton took a deep dive into the realm of forms and color. Due to his recent successes, Panton moved forth into altogether new and innovative lines.
For example, Panton’s Visiona 2 bares a keen resemblance to that of fireworks. Never one to limit his design aspirations to just a single article, he managed to incorporate not only the furniture but also the textile fabrics, wall panels, lighting into the creation of Visiona 2!
Some standout examples of this include his private Villa in Binningen Switzerland and also the Varna Palace in Arhus, Denmark, modeled in 1972 and 1971 respectively. His Living Sculpture, once presiding over the sitting room in his Villa, has been made available to the public at the Centre Pompidou museum in Paris, France.
Lest we forget, there is also the design of the new Gruner & Jahr publishing house in Hamburg, Germany from 1973. Preceding this design by 4 years was the equally expansive interior design of the Spiegel building.
Panton’s extensive foray into fabric and textile design shows his strong preference for bold colors and strong geometric forms. As a result of his textile design, during the mid-1970’s a variety of his iconic Panton fabric textiles were released featuring evermore expressive print development.
Some of the Panton textiles include the Case, Fiori, Castello, Grande and Grafica collections. All of which were released in 1975. All of these Panton fabrics and textiles were manufactured by the Mira-X AG company, working alongside Panton, in Switzerland beginning in 1971.
He also worked with a Danish manufacturer called Fritz Hansen during the 1970’s in order to create the Panton furniture featuring his System 1-2-3 designs.
What are Verner Panton textile fabrics?
Verner Panton was a renowned Danish designer known for his innovative and influential work in the fields of architecture and industrial design. While he is not primarily recognized as a textile designer, he did create some textile patterns that are closely associated with his iconic furniture and interior designs.
Verner Panton’s textile fabrics feature bold and vibrant patterns, often characterized by geometric shapes, abstract motifs, and striking color combinations. These fabrics were designed to complement his furniture pieces and interior concepts, adding a unique and playful touch to the spaces he created.
Some of the most famous Verner Panton textile designs include:
- Geometri I (1960): A pattern featuring overlapping geometric shapes in contrasting colors, creating a dynamic and eye-catching design.
- Geometri II (1960): A variation of Geometri I, with a different arrangement of shapes and colors.
- Mira-X (1965): A fabric with a psychedelic pattern, reflecting the vibrant and psychedelic design aesthetics of the 1960s.
- Tonus (1965): A solid-colored fabric known for its durable and stretchy properties, used extensively in Panton’s furniture designs.
- Vilbert (1993): Though this is not a textile fabric, Vilbert is a notable design of a cardboard chair, showcasing Panton’s creativity in various materials.
These Panton textiles were often used for upholstery and drapery, enhancing the overall visual impact of Panton’s furniture designs and interior spaces. Verner Panton’s work has had a significant influence on modern design, and his textiles remain sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
What style would the Verner Panton textiles and fabrics fall under?
The Verner Panton textiles and fabrics can be categorized under the style of Mid-Century Modern or simply Modernist design. Verner Panton was a prominent figure in the design world during the mid-20th century, and his work is strongly associated with the design movements of that era.
Mid-Century Modern style emerged roughly from the 1930s to the mid-1960s, with its peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by clean lines, organic and geometric forms, and a focus on functionality and simplicity. This style aimed to blend modern materials and manufacturing techniques with innovative design ideas.
Panton’s textile designs align perfectly with the Mid-Century Modern ethos. His use of bold colors, geometric patterns, and abstract motifs exemplifies the playful and futuristic design language of the time. Additionally, his exploration of new materials and technologies, such as stretchy and durable Tonus fabric, was in line with the innovative spirit of the era.
Panton’s textiles were often used to complement his iconic furniture designs, which also followed the principles of Mid-Century Modern style. His furniture pieces, such as the Panton Chair and the Flowerpot lamps, became iconic symbols of the era’s design revolution.
Overall, Verner Panton’s textiles and fabrics fall squarely within the Mid-Century Modern design style, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on the design world that continues to inspire designers and enthusiasts to this day.
How do people use the Mid Century Modern Panton textiles and fabrics in their interiors?
People use Mid-Century Modern Panton textiles and fabrics in their interiors to add a touch of iconic design, bold colors, and a retro yet contemporary vibe.
Here are some common ways these textiles are incorporated into interior spaces:
- Upholstery: One of the most popular uses of Panton textiles is for upholstery. The fabrics are often applied to furniture pieces, such as sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs, to bring a burst of color and pattern to the room. The bold geometric designs can make a strong statement in an otherwise neutral space.
- Throw Pillows: Panton fabrics are frequently used to make throw pillows for sofas, beds, and chairs. These pillows can be strategically placed to add pops of color and pattern, instantly updating the look of a room.
- Drapery and Curtains: Panton fabrics are sometimes used for window treatments, such as curtains and drapes. The dynamic patterns can enliven a room and create a focal point, especially when combined with solid-colored walls and furniture.
- Wall Art and Framed Fabric: Some people use Panton fabrics as wall art by framing pieces of the fabric or stretching it over a canvas. This creates a unique and eye-catching display that showcases the iconic design.
- Throws and Blankets: Panton textiles can also be used as throws or blankets to drape over furniture. This adds warmth and texture while introducing the designer’s distinctive style to the space.
- Rugs and Carpets: Panton-inspired fabric designs are occasionally used as motifs for rugs and carpets. These floor coverings can tie the room together and anchor the furniture in a cohesive design scheme.
- Pillows and Cushions: Smaller Panton fabric pieces can be used to cover cushions or to create decorative pillows. These can be scattered on sofas, chairs, or beds to enhance the overall Mid-Century Modern look.
- Table Linens: Panton fabrics can be utilized as tablecloths or table runners, adding a vibrant and stylish touch to dining areas.
It’s important to strike a balance when using bold Panton textiles in an interior space. While they can be the focal point, they should not overwhelm the overall design. Often, these fabrics are paired with sleek and minimalist furniture and decor elements to maintain a harmonious balance.
The goal is to create a space that showcases the Panton textiles while still allowing the overall design to feel cohesive and visually appealing.
