Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) was a Swedish furniture designer and architect who is widely recognized for his innovative designs and contributions to the field of modernist design. He was born on January 13, 1907, in Värnamo, Sweden, and grew up in a family of furniture makers.

Mathsson's father, Karl Mathsson, was a well-known furniture maker, and Mathsson began working in his father's workshop at a young age. He went on to study at the Gothenburg School of Art and Design, where he developed an interest in the functionalist design principles that would come to define his work.

In the 1930s, Mathsson began designing furniture that was characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and functionality. He experimented with new materials, such as laminated wood and steel tubing, and his designs often incorporated innovative features, such as adjustable backs and seats.

One of Mathsson's most famous designs is the Pernilla lounge chair, which he designed in 1944. The chair features a curved wooden frame and a fabric seat, and it was praised for its comfort and elegant design. Mathsson's other notable designs include the Eva chair and the Karin chair, both of which are characterized by their sleek, modernist design.

In addition to his work as a furniture designer, Mathsson was also an accomplished architect. He designed several buildings in Sweden, including the Lilla Åland sanatorium and the Värnamo town hall. His architectural designs were characterized by their functionalist design principles and their emphasis on light, airy spaces.

Throughout his career, Mathsson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to design. He was awarded the Lunning Prize in 1954, and his work was exhibited in museums around the world. He also served as a professor of furniture design at the Royal College of Art in Stockholm from 1965 to 1975.

Mathsson passed away on August 1, 1988, in Värnamo, Sweden, but his legacy continues to be celebrated today. His furniture designs are still produced by the company that he founded, Bruno Mathsson International, and his work remains highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts around the world.