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:
Louis Poulsen will present six vibrant new colours as part of the Autumn 2024 Panthella 160 Portable Lamp series
As playful as ever Louis Poulsen will present six vibrant new colours as part of …
Panthella 160 Portable Anniversary Edition by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen
Panthella 160 Portable Anniversary Edition Characterised by its striking metallised brass top nut, the Panthella …
Verner Panton’s iconic Flowerpot lamp series continues to grow as floor lamp model enters &Tradition’s collection
Brought to life in close collaboration between &Tradition and the Panton family, Verner Panton’s Flowerpot …
&Tradition re-issues the Wire Stool by Verner Panton. A hidden gem from the Panton archives, destined to become an icon
The Wire Stool captures the essence of Verner Panton’s fondness for geometric shapes, repeated patterns …
Sabine Marcelis Editions 2024 Designs by Verner Panton
As a spin-off from the VitraHaus Loft installation by Sabine Marcelis, Vitra is launching limited …
Introducing VP Globe Ø28 – A small scale centrepiece design by Verner Panton – Verpan
VP Globe remains one of Verner Panton’s most extraordinary lighting designs, born from the ambition …
The Wire Lamp in a smaller edition design by Verner Panton in 1972 – Verpan
The Wire Lamp, made by Verner Panton in 1972, fascinates with its extraordinary construction principle. …
Panton Collection tray’s instantly recognisable crushed surface gives the design a strikingly individual look – Georg Jensen
Panton Collection As one of Denmark’s most prominent and innovative post-war designers, Verner Panton established …
Barboy 60th anniversary design by Verner Panton – Verpan
Designed in 1963 Barboy is a typical example of Panton’s furniture. An adaptable side table …
Experience the new Pantop Portable in Chrome and Brass and add a shiny feel to your interior – Verpan
Get ready for Chrome and Brass Experience the new Pantop Portable in Chrome and Brass and …
The iconic flowerpot lamps by Verner Panton in contemporary new colours
Flowerpot by Verner Panton In close collaboration with the Panton family, &Tradition welcomes five new, …
Verpan extends the Pantop line with two new colours design by Verner Panton
Verpan re-introduced the Pantop Ø23 Pendant and Table Lamp by Verner Panton in 8 bold …
The 1980 Verner Panton classic re-imagined in a portable version with USB charging – Verpan
The elegant Pantop line was designed by Danish designer Verner Panton in 1980. This Autumn, …
New metal finish and colour adds a brand new expression to the iconic VP Globe design Verner Panton – Verpan
Conceived in 1969 by Verner Panton, the VP Globe is arguably the most recognized Panton …
The 1964 Easy Sofa by Verner Panton is re-introduced at this year’s 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen – Verpan
Easy Sofa The 1964 Easy Sofa by Verner Panton is re-introduced at this year’s 3 …
Verner Panton – Colouring A New World @ Trapholt museum until 14 August 2022
30.09.2021 – 14.08.2022 Enter a world of extravagant, undulating shapes, bold, intense colours and world-class …
Design icon Panton Wire goes green by Verner Panton – Montana Furniture
Panton Wire was originally designed by Danish designer Verner Panton in 1971. Danish high-end furniture …
Verner Panton, an exhibition celebrating the enduring influence and incredible imagination of the Danish designer @ R & Company, NY
Verner Panton. October 5, 2021 to January 8, 2022. On October 5, R & Company …
Iconic then. Iconic now. The Flowerpot by Verner Panton
Introduced in 1968 at the height of worldwide cultural revolution, the Flowerpot remains among the …
Panthella in a New Size and Finish by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen
In spring 2021, Louis Poulsen will be revamping the Panthella Table lamp in a new …
&Tradition celebrates the Flowerpot lamp’s vibrant history with a new colour added to the series – a steely shade named Stone Blue
A new colour for Flowerpot &Tradition celebrates the Flowerpot lamp’s vibrant history with a new …
Panthella Mini & Table 320 lamp by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen
In spring 2021, Louis Poulsen will be revamping the Panthella Table lamp in a new …
Panthella Portable designed by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen
Read more: Panthella Portable by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen More news from Louis …
Flowerpot wall lamp by Verner Panton – &Tradition
Introducing VP8, the newest addition to the iconic Flowerpot series. A beloved part of the …
New icons from the Panton archives, Hive pendant & Reflect table lamp
Being brought to life from the Panton archives, VERPAN launches two new lighting icons – …
60th Anniversary; the Moon pendant by Verner Panton
2020 marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Moon pendant. The pendant was designed by …
Flowerpot now portable by Verner Panton – &Tradition
First debuted in 1968, the playful Flowerpot lamp is now available as a portable piece. …
Panthella Portable by Verner Panton – Louis Poulsen
The Panthella Portable lamp is the smallest edition of Verner Panton’s popular Panthella Table lamp …
Wire seating system Pantonova by Verner Panton – Montana
A Landscape of Seating Almost fifty years after Verner Panton designed the notorious modular wire …
Spiegel Panel by Verner Panton – Offecct
New life for a design pioneer 50 years ago, Danish architect and designer Verner Panton …
Panton One – dressed up in new colours and paper string – Montana
The paper string gives the Panton One chair series a new expression. The FSC® certified …
Panthella MINI Chrome
Panthella MINI Chrome – designed by Verner Panton from Louis Poulsen on Vimeo. …
Mini-version of Panthella – Louis Poulsen
Louis Poulsen is now launching a mini-version of the iconic Panthella lamp with a diameter …