Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company 'Pallet' Wooden Writing Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Paul Frankl (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
Paul Frankl
Born in Vienna, Paul Frankl came to the United States in 1914 as part of a wave of Central European design luminaries — among them Kem Weber, Rudolph Schindler, and Richard Neutra — who were drawn by the energy and optimism of the American scene. Prolific and protean, Frankl would go on to design furnishings that are emblematic of nearly every key stylistic chord in American modernism, from the streamlined Art Deco to free-form organic shapes.
Frankl's Skyscraper cabinets, bookcases and more — introduced in 1924 — are his earliest and best-known designs (and the work by which he is most often represented in institutions, such as New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art). Tall and narrow, the pieces have staggered shelves meant to mimic the setbacks of Manhattan office towers. A later visually expressive line — the Speed chairs and sofas, which have a raked profile suggesting motion — links Frankl to Donald Deskey, Raymond Loewy and other creators of Streamline Moderne design.
Frankl moved to Los Angeles in 1934 and luxuriated in the climate and lifestyle. His designs became lighter and simpler and found an audience among the Hollywood élite. (Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire were clients.) Fascinated by Asian arts, Frankl produced numerous pieces — tabletops with edges that curve upward; sofas, chairs and other seating with rattan frames — inspired by Chinese and Japanese forms and materials. In the 1940s, Frankl became one of the first designers to incorporate free-form, biomorphic shapes in his work, as well as novel upholstery fabrics such as denim and nubby wool.
Frankl biographer Christopher Long argues that the designer’s easy, elegant aesthetic had an enormous influence on movie set design. As the furniture below attests, Paul Frankl’s work is ready for its close-up.
Find vintage Paul Frankl tables, dining chairs, case pieces and storage cabinets on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Long Island City, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Company Black and White Cork and Wood EndBy Paul FranklLocated in New York, NYMid-Century rectangular end / side table with a white painted cork top resting on a white painted wooden frame with a lower rectangular stretcher shelf and four square legs. (PAUL FR...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsCork, Paint, Wood
- Pair of Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Wooden Brass X Handle Bedside TableBy Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.Located in New York, NYPair of mid-century wooden bedside table / commodes with an upper cabinet with fold-down drawer above two lower drawers with x-form brass drawer pulls. (Paul Frankl for Johnson Furni...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Cork Top Dining Table with LeavesBy Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.Located in New York, NYAmerican Mid-Century dining / conference table with a rounded rectangular cork top with two removable leaves, resting on two dark-stained wooden legs with V-shaped central supports. ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Mid-Century Walnut Six Drawer High ChestsBy Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.Located in New York, NY2 Mid-Century walnut high chests / dressers with six drawers mounted with X-shaped brass drawer pulls. (PAUL FRANKL FOR JOHNSON FURNITURE CO)(PRIC...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Pair of Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. Walnut Six Drawer High DressersBy Paul FranklLocated in New York, NYPair of mid-century walnut high chests / dressers with six drawers mounted with X-shaped brass drawer pulls. (Paul Frankl For Johnson Furniture Co)(priced as pair).Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. American Mid-Century Cork Top Dining TableBy Paul FranklLocated in New York, NYAmerican mid-century dining / conference table with a rounded rectangular cork top with two removable leaves, resting on two dark-stained wooden legs with V-shaped central supports. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsCork
- Johnson Furniture Company Chippendale Mahogany Writing DeskBy Johnson Furniture CompanyLocated in Louisville, KYThis a gem is a perfect smaller writing desk that lends itself to so many room layouts. As opposed to many larger desks that require ample space, this desk is far more versatile than...Category
20th Century American Chippendale Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Seldom seen Mahogany and Cork Desk by Paul Frankl for JohnsonBy Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture CompanyLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning mahogany and cork Mid-Century desk by Paul Frankl with three drawers above two cabinets, one fitted with pull out drawers and branded with "Johnson Furniture Company," all ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Seven Drawer Chest by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture CompanyBy Paul FranklLocated in Dallas, TXBeautiful seven-drawer chest designed by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture. In excellent condition, restored in a beautiful lacquer with solid brass 'X's which have been professio...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Combed Wood DeskBy Paul FranklLocated in Pasadena, TXA desk designed by Paul Frankl for Brown and Saltman. This desk features combed wood restored to emphasize the beautiful tones and textures of the natural ...Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsWood
- Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul FranklLocated in Los Angeles, CAPaul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul FranklLocated in Los Angeles, CAPaul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
