Panton, Batchelor Chair , 1955

The Batchelor chair is an early design from Panton and reflects modernist influences of his previous employer, Arne Jacobsen. The chair is simple with an apparently continuous linear frame in tubular steel. The frame is in fact demountable, as part of an export-sales drive by Fritz Hansen. The Batchelor references the 1927 Tube Frame chair from Gerrit Reitveld. The W-shaped frame and slung seat was an acutely modern and the minimal design aimed at a new youthful, yet affluent market. The chairs were originally available in various colours of army cloth or leather. The range grew to include an armchair, stool and table.

Verner Panton was taught by Poul Henningsen and began his career in Arne Jacobsen’s office. He became an independent designer in the mid-1950’s. He worked successfully on interiors, lighting, furniture and published highly regarded colour theories.  His approach to design was experimental and Panton chose to disregard convention to find new solutions. The landmark Panton chair was conceived in advance of the technology to manufacture the design commercially. Many of his designs are in production and considered landmarks of contemporary design.

Dimensions
52w x 68d x 38/73cmh