Paul T. Frankl, October 14, 1886 – March 21,1958 / Johnson Furniture Co. 1908 - 1983, Grand Rapids, Michigan
An émigré from Austria, Frankl settled in New York in 1914 and quickly saw a country awash in reproductions of uncomfortable European styles. From the start, Frankl took a different approach, designing sleek, unadorned pieces that reflected advances in American technology and changes in culture. In the early 1950s Johnson Furniture Company produced several lines by Paul Frankl, among them the “Contemporary” line, incorporating an early use of biomorphic designs.
Modern, inside-out Paul T. Frankl's sleek simplicity gave rise to a California look.
having curved front with five inlaid doors, all raised on turned and flared feet with brass terminals; the center door opens to reveal sycamore-veneered drawers; the right door opens to reveal a mirrored and glass bar compartment; excellent condition
the oval metal frame with beaded slip surmounted by an exuberant plumed urn above lively floral and foliate swags; excellent condition with overall even rubbing to gilding; age to mirrored plate
a modern interpretation of the neoclassical folding campaign chair; with brushed steel frame fitted with solid bronze finials and paw feet; excellent condition with overall even wear
the rectangular table with canted corners raised on lucite cluster columns all joined by a lower glass shelf; excellent condition commensurate with age
of varying heights, each with ruffled cup of striking orange glass; raised on clear glass stems; with foil labels; excellent condition with no chips or cracks
The tall vase of white cased-glass covered in an orange textured glaze adorned with a continuous fret band; excellent condition with no chips or cracks
the central supports of graduated stack glass orbs all emanating 6 deeply scrolled candle arms with glass drips pans and chrome candle sleeves; excellent vintage condition; rewired
the robustly-proportioned desk with inset hand-tooled leather top above a central drawer flanked by pedestal doors; raised on tapering block supports; with finished back fitted with a single shelf; excellent condition; new leather top
