Bruno Mathsson: Revolutionary Furniture Designer

Bruno Mathsson was a Swedish designer who was born in Varnamo in 1907 into a woodworking tradition. His father a well known cabinetmaker and furniture maker was well known as well as having four generations of Mathsson wood workers before him. The things he learned growing up were the feel and nature of wood, the tradition of excellence, and the technical skills that are essential when making furniture.

Mathsson became intrigued with the technical side of furniture design, and started voraciously reading everything he could locate on the subject, from reading museum books to contacting design centers. He educated himself on both the technical issues involved and the design styles themselves, and in the process became focused primarily on functionalism. He eventually received a scholarship for his work on functionalist design.

Since he wasn't satisfied with the limitations imposed by flat board furniture, Mathsson branched out to chairs without springs and heavy upholstery, and towards a clean, elegant design which could be adjusted in position. Some of these designs were so controversial that they remained in storage for many years until Mathsson made a name for himself.

Mathsson was worried about the "mechanics of sitting". He did tests to see what kind of pattern a human being made when sitting. He even sat in the snow to see what effect it would have. Mathsson won the Grand Prix design award in 1937 at the Paris Expo. Bruno was finally able to get his once hidden chairs out for the world to see once he obtained some recognition.

One of his classic designs is the Mathsson Pernilla chair. It's made in various formats with bentwood, incorporating lamination into the design itself. It can be made with webbing or upholstered. During the war, material shortages forced Mathsson to experiment with alternate fibers like jute and hemp, and thus this design can easily be adapted to other materials. These chairs traditionally include an attached pillow.

A historical Bruno Mathsson design that captures a contemporary feel is the modular Fällbord table. It is a well known Bruno Mathsson creation that came about in 1935 and can be configured in multiple different ways. His designs have held their popularity well into the 21st century by providing everlasting appeal. This appeal has proved consistent through his Jetson, Miranda, Eva and Pernilla chair designs as well.

 Yet another piece of Mathsson furniture that MUST be mentioned here is another of his tables. The Mathsson superellips is also considered a classic and it seems like it will increase in value for many years to come. Mathsson passed away in 1988 leaving an amazing legacy of family heritage made great by his insight.

Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson was born in Varnamo in 1907 into a woodworking tradition. He grew up learning the technical skills to make classic designer furniture (design möbler), the feel and nature of wood and the tradition of excellence. He taught himself by reading books from museums and design centers and networking with other designers. Functionalism was a design style that Bruno was very interested in. The bruno mathsson pernilla chair is one of his classic designs. A historical piece that captures a contemporary feel is his modular fällbord table. Mathsson passed away in 1988 leaving an amazing legacy of family heritage made great by his insight.

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