Vintage Scandinavian Verner Panton “Quadrat” Textile, Country Of Origin: Scandinavia, Circa Date: Mid 20th Century – Verner Panton‘s innovative approach to artistry defined midcentury design. This vibrant textile is a Panton pattern known as Quadrat, sometimes spelled Kvadrat. It simply means “square.” This pattern was popular from 1969 through 1974, and it became a part of several Panton ensembles and collections, including the popular Mira X series.
Panton’s designs introduced an iconic look that would eventually permeate pop culture. He is famous for designing complete sets that were meant to furnish an entire room. The Quadrat pattern is often pictured alongside his hanging flowerpot lamps, cone table, and the iconic Panton chair that is formed from a single piece of plastic.
Panton’s creations were meant to be bright and convey optimism about the future. Panton began his career as an understudy to the famous Functionalist designer Arne Jacobsen. However, Panton’s creations strayed from the norm, which often caused conflict between Panton and Jacobsen. After only a few years, Panton would begin his own design firm where he would produce his most popular and iconic looks.
The Quadrat series is based on the square. However, Panton’s use of light and dark gradients gives it a three-dimensional quality and creates the optical illusion that the vertical and horizontal lines surrounding the squares are not straight. The use of gradients also makes the darker squares seem to recede, and the lighter squares appear closer to the viewer. This textile would have been referred to as “psychedelic.”
Panton was a leader in functional design, and his pieces developed a fan following in his time. Shortly after his death in 1998, his design experienced a resurgence in popularity and collectability. Now, they are finding their way into minimalist and ultra-modern interiors. An original Panton textile is a rare find, and many of them are in the hands of serious midcentury collectors. This is a large piece of fabric and would complete any retro-inspired of vintage retro interior space.