Design story
Verner Panton, a Danish designer known for his avant-garde approach to interior design and furniture, left an indelible mark on the world of modern design. Among his most iconic creations is the Globe Lamp, a revolutionary piece that embodies his futuristic vision and mastery of form and function.
Designed in 1969, the Globe Lamp is a spherical pendant light made from transparent acrylic. Its simple yet striking form consists of two hemispheres that enclose a central light source, creating a luminous globe that radiates a soft, ambient glow when illuminated. The Verner Panton Globe Lamp 50cm is the largest size made.
Panton’s design philosophy was deeply rooted in the exploration of new materials and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in design. The Verner Panton Globe lamp is a great example hereof. The suspension lamp’s combination of form and function is characteristic of Panton’s holistic approach to design.
Today, the Verner Panton Globe Lamp remains an iconic symbol of mid-century modern design. Its presence in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide cements its status as an absolute design classic.
Panton was born north of Copenhagen, Denmark, and studied at Odense Technical College before enrolling to at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Upon finishing his Architecture degree he worked at Arne Jacbosen‘s Architect firm for a couple of years (1950 – 1952). Panton then started his own design and architectural studio soon to become known for its innovative architectural ideas, such as a collapsible house (1955). His passion for colours and geometric patterns manifested itself into a range of sculpture-like furniture and lighting.
Verner Panton died in 1998 in Copenhagen not far from where he was born. After his death, Vitra re-edition many of his designs. The retrospective of his work can also be seen in the Vitra Design Museum. It bear witness to the special relationship between Vitra and Verner Panton.
