The Wire Stool captures the essence of Verner Panton’s fondness for geometric shapes, repeated patterns and use of wire as a visual conduit for his creations. Initially introduced in 1981, &Tradition’s re-launch includes detachable cushions in four Panton-inspired colours, in this light-weight, stackable stool that doubles as a side table.
Panton earned a reputation for avant-garde ideas that challenged preconceived notions as to the form and function of furniture. Although wood was the predominant material preferred by his contemporaries, Panton was eager to explore new, industrial materials that had yet to be incorporated into Danish design. Such was the case with steel wire.
While most often associated with his exploration into the material properties of plastic, wire was frequently Panton’s material of choice as a starting point for his preliminary ideas, enabling him to envision designs that were previously impossible. In fact, wire was a reoccurring theme throughout Panton’s prolific career.
“My father was perpetually immersed in the design process, always pushing boundaries, experimenting and seeking innovative solutions.” shares Carin Panton. “Among his favoured tools were pipe cleaners and notably, thin wire, prized for its malleability and ease of manipulation. His profound ability in mathematics, especially geometry, reflects throughout his works in furniture, textile, installations, and architecture.”
Part of the aesthetic appeal of the Wire Stool is its airy, almost transparent appearance. Seen from above, the seat is crafted in concentric circles with a mesmerizing graphic effect. The physical lightness of the wires belies the stable construction and facilitates easy stackability of up to 12 stools. Once stacked, the optical effect is amplified in the repeated linear motif of the legs, affixed to the circular wire base.
“The Wire Stool was a personal favourite of my father,” adds Carin. “He was drawn to its paradoxical nature – a design that combines airy transparency with structural integrity and aesthetic elegance. The harmonious effect it produced when stacked particularly captivated him, fuelling his continued exploration of steel wire designs.”
Colour was a subject close to Panton’s heart, and the effect of colour is a subject he explored in great depth in his book “Notes on Colours”. When choosing the colours for the foam-filled seat pads, we curated a Panton-inspired blue, red, green and grey for the covers. What was Panton’s take on the connotation of these particular hues? “For him, blue represents tranquillity, trust and concentration,” explains Carin. “Red symbolises liveliness, vibrancy and warmth. Green is associated with stability, security and rationality. While grey signifies balance and neutrality.”
Panton also saw the value of multi-functionality. To this end, he designed the Wire Stool as a chair that’s equally as suitable as a side table. Thus, increasing its applications in an array of settings, spanning private homes, hotels, bars, museums, and restaurants to a variety of contract environments.
More design by Verner Panton:
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