Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) Sweden

Bruno Mathsson was a Swedish furniture designer and architect. Mathsson's father, Karl Mathsson, was a carpenter and had a factory that produced classic furniture. Bruno learned his trade in this factory. Although he never received any theoretical training, he became aware of functionalist ideals early on and in 1936 he had his first solo exhibition at Röhsska Konstslöjdmuseet, a museum of decorative arts, fashion and design. This exhibition became Mathsson’s breakthrough and he was then invited to participate in the Paris World's Fair the following year. Today Mathsson's furniture designs have become timeless classics. Popular pieces include “Pernilla” and “Karin” as well as the table “Superellips” which was designed in collaboration with Piet Hein.