Experimentation, playfulness, adventure. Through the example of maverick Danish designer Verner Panton, these words have entered the lexicon of many designers today.

In the first half of the 20th century, design schools were rare, so Panton trained as an architect, as did many future designers of his day, including his mentor, Arne Jacobsen. For many, Jacobsen's work is synonymous with Danish design for its craftsmanship, sense of style, good taste and its use of natural materials and Panton learned much from him, particularly while helping him on his signature "Ant Chair" of 1952. However, Panton went on to explore ideas at odds with the Danish design tradition, trying out synthetic materials, such as plastic, and new industrial and mass-production techniques.

Although he did work in Denmark, his vision led him to travel around Europe in search of companies sympathetic to his design and production concepts. His long-term collaborations with the Swiss company Vitra led him to base himself in Basel for the majority of his career, which explains why this exhibition, currently at the Tokyo Opera City Gallery and being shown in 15 countries worldwide, is organized by the Vitra Design Museum.