Vintage Scandinavian Verner Panton “Quadrat” Textile, Country Of Origin: Scandinavia, Circa Date: Mid 20th Century – This classic textile by the iconic midcentury artist and designer Verner Panton was created in 1969 for his Décor I series. The textile is called “Quadrat,” which means square. This is a classic work that emphasizes Panton’s ability to use simple lines and shapes to produce the appearance of three-dimensional space.
This design uses eight different shades of green at varying saturations to create the appearance that each square either projects towards the viewer or appears to be moving away from them. Panton created his textiles to complement an entire room ensemble that included everything from the furniture to lighting and curtains.
Panton often worked with psychologists to explore how color affected mood and emotion. His exhibits included entire rooms that were meant to create an immersive experience and evoke a certain feeling in the visitor. He designed his textiles so that people could create this same experience in their homes. The greens in this fabric are natural and organic, but the simple geometric shapes give it a distinctively modern feel.
Panton’s textiles were a part of the movement that was often called psychedelic. However, they have recently become popular as retro styles have once again become an important trend. They are also perfect for ultra-modern, Swedish modern, and minimalist interior designs. Panton’s textiles are meant to be experienced, rather than simply explored through sight.
This is a generous piece of textile with large pattern repeats. Panton’s pieces broke the long-held traditions of midcentury design, so much so that they ushered in what would become known as the Panton Era. This is an iconic textile from an artist who defined an era in contemporary design thought. It is the perfect addition to a midcentury collection or to make a bold statement in modern interior design. This piece would add authenticity to a retro room design, too.