About
Lifespan: 1907–1988
Birthplace: Värnamo, Sweden
Manufacturers: Firma Karl Mathsson, DUX, Fritz Hansen, Tendo Mokko
Story
Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was a Swedish furniture designer and architect born in Värnamo. He learned woodworking in the workshop of his father, Karl Mathsson, and developed as a largely self-taught designer, studying functionalism, furniture construction, and modern architecture.
From the early 1930s Mathsson investigated what he called the mechanics of sitting. His chairs combined body-shaped curves, bent laminated wood, and visible webbing to create light structures without conventional heavy upholstery. Designs such as Eva and Pernilla established this approach and became central examples of Swedish modern furniture.
After the Second World War he also worked extensively in architecture, particularly with houses that used large areas of glazing. In furniture he developed a close relationship with DUX, producing designs including Jetson and Karin. With Piet Hein he collaborated on the Superellipse Table, produced by Fritz Hansen from 1968. A visit to Japan in 1974 led to a collaboration with Tendo Mokko, which introduced the Mathsson Series in 1976 for Japanese interiors and floor-based living.
History & Works
1907 (age 0)
Born in Värnamo, Sweden.
1931 (age 24)
Designed the Gräshoppan (Grasshopper) Chair for Värnamo Hospital.
1936 (age 29)
Held a solo exhibition at the Röhsska Museum, presenting chairs made with bent laminated wood and webbing.
1937 (age 30)
Exhibited in the Swedish pavilion at the Paris Exposition, bringing his work international attention.
1944 (age 37)
Designed the Pernilla Chair.
1948–1949
Travelled in the United States with his wife Karin and met Charles and Ray Eames, Hans and Florence Knoll, Marcel Breuer, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
1968 (age 61)
The Superellipse Table, developed with Piet Hein, entered production at Fritz Hansen.
1969 (age 62)
DUX introduced chairs including Jetson and Karin.
1974 (age 67)
Visited Japan and began a collaboration with Tendo Mokko after meeting the company through an exhibition at the Swedish Center in Roppongi.
1976 (age 69)
Tendo Mokko introduced the Mathsson Series, adapted to Japanese interiors with sled-like legs suited to shoe-free living.
1984 (age 77)
The Bruno Mathsson Award was established.
1988 (age 81)
Died in Värnamo.
Furniture
Eva Chair
Pernilla Chair
Jetson Chair
Karin Chair
Superellipse Table
Mathsson Series / Tendo Mokko