Bruno Mathsson, a prominent Swedish designer and architect, emphasized the importance of natural light and fresh air for human well-being, something he reflected on in his work. He believed that indoor environments should not limit space and light, which is evident in his design philosophy where furniture should blend in rather than dominate the room. Mathsson followed Waerlandism, a lifestyle that emphasizes the importance of exercise and a diet rich in fiber, and he chose to sleep outdoors during the warmer months.
Mathsson is also known in addition to his furniture design for having designed 35 glass houses in different countries, including Villa Prenker in Kungsör. These houses are characterized by their large, open wall surfaces, made possible by his invention of the “Bruno Pane” window system. Many of these houses are now cultural monuments, for example his own summer house in Frösakull, Halmstad, which was completed in 1960. His architectural works and furniture designs reflect his striving to create environments that integrate and celebrate the elements of nature.
Bruno Mathsson, whose philosophy can be summed up in his own words, “furniture should be made with such art that sitting in it becomes no art at all”, was a pioneering Swedish furniture designer whose work was characterized by a harmony between form and function. Mathsson’s deep understanding of and commitment to the “mechanics of sitting” was fundamental to his design process. He strove to create chairs that were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offered maximum comfort and support to the user.
One of Mathsson’s most publicized experiments in this endeavor was when he sat in a snowdrift to analyze the imprint his body left behind. This simple but ingenious method helped him understand how a chair should be designed to follow and support the body’s natural curves and needs. This led to the design of chairs that were not only beautiful, but also actively promoted the comfort and well-being of the user.
In addition to his interest in ergonomics, Mathsson was also a pioneer in furniture manufacturing techniques. He was one of the first to use the bending gluing technique in Sweden, which meant that thin layers of wood were glued together under pressure to create bent, yet strong, shapes. This technique enabled Mathsson to create furniture with sleek, elegant lines that were nevertheless robust and durable. This combination of technical innovation and aesthetic sensibility became significant for Mathsson’s design philosophy.
Through his work, Bruno Mathsson showed that good design is about more than just appearance; it is about creating a harmonious relationship between the object and its user. He succeeded in creating furniture that did not require effort or adaptation from the user, but rather adapted to the user. This approach, where comfort and design interact, has left a lasting impression on furniture design and continues to inspire designers worldwide. Bruno Mathsson’s work stands as an example of how design can improve our daily lives, not only through beauty but also through function and ease of use.
Sven-Harrys konstmuseum
Eastmansvägen 10–12
113 61 Stockholm
+46 8 511 600 60
info@sven-harrys.se
More news about Bruno Mathsson:
Take the opportunity to visit The Bruno Mathsson Prize 40 Years is on display @ Vandalorum until 30/3 2025
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Bruno Mathsson’s prize celebrates 40 years with extensive exhibition @ Vandalorum
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Front Exhibition “Design by Nature” in Formladan, Vandalorum 3 June – 5 November 2023
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Front is honoured by the Bruno Mathsson Award 2023
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Pierre Sindre is honoured by the Bruno Mathsson Award 2022
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Monica Förster is honoured by the Bruno Mathsson Award 2021
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Travel as a tool @ Vandalorum
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Smålands Skinnmanufaktur through the barriers of time – Bruno Mathsson
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Jetson Match Forest – The design classic Jetson in a new vintage – DUX
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Chris Martin is honoured by the Bruno Mathsson Award 2020
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Eva in aluminium – Bruno Mathsson Int.
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Folkform has been awarded the Bruno Mathsson prize for 2019
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Shane Schneck & Clara von Zweigbergk has been awarded the Bruno Mathsson prize for 2016
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Claesson Koivisto Rune – Form/Design Center
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Eva – Bruno Mathsson Int
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Jonas Bohlin has been awarded the Bruno Mathsson prize for 2014
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Trisuperellips – Bruno Mathsson Int
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Reading table 66 – Bruno Mathsson Int
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Bruno Mathsson-prize 2013 to Staffan Holm
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Bruno Mathsson-prize 2012 to Mika Tolvanen
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Bruno Mathsson-prize 2011 to Daniel Rybakken
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Bruno Mathsson-prize 2010 to Thomas Bernstrand
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Exhibition: Bogdan, Lasse & Bo 2010 @ Form/Design Center
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