Ant Chair

Arne Jacobsen (1902 – 1974) was a multi-talented Danish modern designer mostly known for his architectural work and furniture design. In addition, Jacobsen showed his talent in designing consumer goods, lamps and textiles. Jacobsen was originally trained as a mason, but later pursued his studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, graduating in 1928.

Arne Jacobsen opened his own architectural office in 1930. His first major architectural project was the Bellavista housing development in the early 1930’s. Jacobsen’s most known architectural projects include SAS (the airline company) building which contained an airport terminal as well as the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and St. Catherine College in Oxford, England. For the Royal Hotel, Jacobsen designed every detail from furniture including his famous “Swan” and “Egg” chairs to textiles, lighting, wall panels, door hardware and tableware. For St. Catherine’s he designed every detail as well.

Models 3207, 3108 and 3107 Chairs

Other than the “Swan” and “Egg” chairs designed for the Royal Hotel, Arne Jacobsen’s notable furniture designs include the three legged (later a four legged version was also introduced) stackable chair called the “Ant” chair (1952) and the “3107” chair (1955), also known as the “Series 7” chair. The “Ant” and “Series 7” chairs were manufactured by Fritz Hansen in great numbers and the success of these chairs propelled both Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen’s names into furniture history.

Fritz Hansen has been manufacturing Jacobsen’s furniture since 1930’s and remains the same to this day. Just like many other mid century/Danish modern designers, Jacobsen created sleek, elegant, yet functional furniture pieces with timeless appeal that are cherished by many people today.

Panton Chair

Verner Panton (1926 – 1998) was one of the most influential Danish modern designers of the 20th century. Over the course of his career, Panton successfully introduced ground breaking interior designs, including furniture, lighting, floor covering, wall covering, and textiles using a variety of materials and vibrant colors.

Just like many others designers of the era, he was trained as an architect. Panton studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. After graduating the academy, he started his apprenticeship for Arne Jacobsen in early 1950’s, assisting Jacobsen’s various projects including the iconic “Ant” chair. In 1955, Panton opened his own practice in Copenhagen. In following years, he introduced innovative architectural ideas, such as the prefab collapsible house (1955), the “Cardboard House” (1957), and the “Plastic House” (1960).

Verner Panton Lamps

Panton’s innovative chair designs were probably his most significant contribution to mid century design. In 1958, Panton introduced “Cone” chair and later, “Heart” chair, on a slight variation. Both chairs were made of upholstered conical sheet metal, with a tip pointing down, placed on a cross shaped metal base. In 1960, the “Stacking” or “S” chair (or simply known as “Panton chair”) was introduced. The Panton chair was the first example of single-piece injection molded plastic, but its production was delayed because of the technological challenges. In 1967, the Panton chair was finally put into production by Vitra, the European licensee of Herman Miller, Inc. The success of the Panton chair brought him international recognition.

With his success in chair designs, Panton made his name as a visionary designer. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Panton began experimenting in designing entire living spaces by fusing different elements such as flooring, walls, lighting, furniture, and soft furnishings with vivid colors and geometric shapes. Panton’s unique designs are easily recognizable. Many of his designs are still in production today by the companies like Vitra and Fritz Hansen.

Photo: Verner Panton Lamps by Hollaender