Verner Panton Fun 1TM Table Lamp

Materials: Round chrome ring base. Chrome rods frame and parts. Round windowpane oyster shells lampshade. Metal filigree chains. Bakelite E27 socket.

Height: 60 cm / 23.62”

Width: ∅ 32 cm / 12.59”

Electricity: 1 bulb E27, 1 x 60 watt maximum, 110/220 volt.
Any type of light bulb can be used, not a specific one preferred.

Period: 1960s – Mid-Century Modern.

Designer: Verner Panton (1926-1998) in 1964.

Manufacturer: To be appraised.

Other versions: This lamp was also produced in brass and exists in many variations. It was manufactured by several companies over the years, and due to its popularity many imitation and unofficial versions appeared on the market. Today, these lamps are produced exclusively by Verpan, which holds the legal rights to manufacture contemporary editions of the design in collaboration with the Verner Panton estate.

The original versions were produced in sizes of 18, 28 and 38 cm (approximately 7, 11 and 15 inches). Early originals do not have a chrome tube base or square rods; instead, they are constructed entirely from chrome-plated slats. The earliest versions feature a closed top, while later versions were produced with an open top.

The Fun lamps were produced by several manufacturers over the years, and due to their popularity many unofficial and imitation versions appeared on the market. Today, the Fun lamps are produced exclusively by Verpan, which holds the legal rights to manufacture contemporary editions of these designs in collaboration with the Verner Panton estate.

Originally, Verner Panton conceived the Fun lamps using silver paper discs rather than shells. It was J. Lüber who proposed the use of natural shells, a material choice that became a defining characteristic of the series and contributed strongly to its shimmering, reflective appearance.

Capiz

The shells used for these lamps originate from the Philippines, specifically from the province of Capiz. They are made from the shells of the windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta), which have been used for thousands of years as a substitute for glass due to their durability and translucent properties.

These shells are often incorrectly referred to as “mother of pearl”, but this is inaccurate. Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is the iridescent inner layer of a different type of shell and is not translucent. Pearls themselves consist of the same organic material. Even on the Verpan website, these lamps were for some time incorrectly described; more recently they are referred to simply as “seashell discs”, without specifying the exact material.

Verner Panton

Verner Panton (13 February 1926 – 5 September 1998) was a Danish designer and is widely regarded as one of the most influential furniture, lighting and interior designers of the 20th century. He was born in Gamtofte, Denmark, and studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen from 1947 to 1951. During his final study years he worked in the studio of Arne Jacobsen, an experience that had a lasting influence on his understanding of form, space and colour.

Between 1953 and 1955 Panton travelled extensively through Europe, studying contemporary architecture, design and emerging materials. In 1955 he established his own design studio, later based in Switzerland, from where he developed a highly individual and experimental body of work. He became especially known for his radical use of colour, organic forms and new materials such as plastics, both in furniture and lighting design, as well as in complete interior environments.

Among his most iconic designs are the Panton Chair and a series of lamps from the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the Flowerpot, which reflect the optimistic and experimental spirit of that period. Panton’s work often challenged conventional ideas of living spaces and played a key role in shaping the visual language of late modern design.

Over the years, Verner Panton worked with several manufacturers, each period resulting in distinct lighting designs. For Louis Poulsen, he designed some of his most famous lamps, including this Flower Pot, Topan, Panthella and Moon, all of which show his interest in glare-free light and strong, simple forms.

With J. Lüber AG in Switzerland, Panton developed a series of more experimental and decorative lighting designs, such as the Fun, Spiral, Globe and Shell lamps. These designs often combined metal, plastic and reflective elements, and were closely linked to his interior concepts from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Later, several of Panton’s lighting designs were reissued or newly produced by Verpan, the company dedicated to his legacy. This includes re-editions of lamps such as the Fun, Spiral, Moon and Globe, as well as other lighting objects originally conceived for interiors and exhibitions. Through these different collaborations, Panton’s lighting designs evolved from functional metal lamps to sculptural, atmospheric light objects that remain influential today.

Verner Panton received numerous international awards during his lifetime and remains a central figure in 20th-century design history.

J. Lüber A.G.

J. Lüber A.G. is a Swiss company founded in the early 20th century, originally active in metalworking and industrial production. During the 1960s and 1970s, the company became internationally known for its production of lighting designs by Verner Panton. Several of Panton’s most experimental and decorative lamps, including the Fun, Spiral, Globe and Shell series, were manufactured by J. Lüber in Switzerland.

These lamps were closely linked to Panton’s interior concepts of the period and often combined metal, plastic and reflective elements, emphasizing movement, transparency and atmosphere rather than purely functional lighting. Today, J. Lüber A.G. no longer produces lighting and has shifted its focus to gifts and home accessories, but the company remains historically important for its role in the realisation of Panton’s most radical lighting designs.

Verpan

Verpan is a Danish furniture and lighting manufacturer dedicated exclusively to the legacy of Verner Panton. The company holds exclusive production rights to a significant part of Panton’s original designs, including lighting, furniture and accessories. Verpan works closely with the Panton estate to ensure faithful re-editions based on original drawings, materials and proportions.

Among the lighting designs reissued by Verpan are iconic models such as the Fun, Spiral, Moon and Globe lamps. These designs are produced today using contemporary manufacturing techniques while remaining true to the original concepts. New Verpan lamps are available through selected dealers and via the company’s official website.