Piet Olof Mathsson was a renowned Swedish designer, born on January 8, 1917 in Värnamo, Sweden, and died on June 2, 1988 in Värnamo. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in furniture design, particularly his iconic chair creations.
Piet Mathsson was the son of Karl Mathsson, founder of the furniture company Firma Karl Mathsson, which was already renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship. Piet was trained in the family business and inherited a love of design and woodworking.
In the 1940s, Piet Mathsson began experimenting with wood-bending techniques, which led him to create the "Grasshopper" chair in 1947. This chair was a huge success and laid the foundations for Mathsson's international reputation.
Over the years, Mathsson has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of furniture design. In 1956, he designed his most famous chair, the "Pernilla". This chair was revolutionary at the time, using advanced industrial production techniques while retaining an organic, elegant look. The "Pernilla" has become a symbol of modern Swedish design.
Piet Mathsson was also a pioneer in the use of materials such as rattan and leather in his designs. His furniture was known for its comfort, functionality and timeless aesthetic.
Mathsson received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career, including the Lunning Medal in 1957 and the Prince Eugen Medal in 1981, two of Sweden's highest design honors.
After Piet Mathsson's death in 1988, his son, Mathsson, continued the family legacy as a furniture designer. He worked on new creations, while preserving the integrity and innovative spirit of his father's work.