Paul T. Frankl Art Deco Custom Made Cork Sofa, 1930s
View Similar Items
Paul T. Frankl Art Deco Custom Made Cork Sofa, 1930s
About the Item
- Creator:Paul Frankl (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.02 in (61 cm)Width: 105.52 in (268 cm)Depth: 50.01 in (127 cm)Seat Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930-1939
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This cork sofa by Frankl shows minor stains and wear on the cork due to age and wear. Upholstery completely perfect, redone by the in-house experts.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU933118558472
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.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
- Art Deco Sofa with Floral UpholsteryLocated in Waalwijk, NLArt Deco sofa, wood, fabric, France, 1940s This charming two-seat sofa comes with a delicate upholstery featuring a cream overtone decorated with an illustrative pattern of fauna an...Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Italian Art Deco Sofa in Walnut and SilkLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1930s/1940s A magnificent and strong angular sofa in walnut wood. Upholstered in a cream silk fabric in a subtle triangular pattern, a typical choice fo...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsSilk, Walnut
- Art Deco Sofa with High Back in Olive Green UpholsteryLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa, beech, fabric, Europe, 1940s This sofa is a beautiful piece made in the late Art Deco period in Europe. It has a very strong appearance, due the high back and the angular shap...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Beech
- Unique Italian Art Deco Sofa in Walnut Burl and Striped Velvet UpholsteryLocated in Waalwijk, NLSofa, walnut burl, velvet, fabric, Italy, 1930s. This unique sofa is designed according to the Art Deco principles that were in vogue in the 1930s. While the furniture's overall visual appearance was undoubtedly modern, the movement's geometric patterns, emphasis on simplicity of form, and preference for honest expression of materials were all clearly influenced by Oriental aesthetics. An Oriental principle that is evident in the early work of notable designers like Gaetano Borsani & Osvaldo Borsani (Atelier di Varedo), Paolo Buffa, Tomaso Buzzi and, Alfonso Liporesi...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Velvet, Walnut, Burl
- Paul Evans for Paul Evans Studio Custom-Made ‘Patchwork’ SofaBy Paul EvansLocated in Waalwijk, NLPaul Evans for Paul Evans Studio, welded and enameled pewter, copper, and bronze, reupholstered in Driessen Leder “Nairobi Green", United States, 1971 Designed by Paul Evans for Pau...Category
Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Sofas
MaterialsBronze, Copper, Pewter
- Italian Sofa in Red UpholsteryLocated in Waalwijk, NLSettee, red fabric, wood, metal, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant Italian two-seat settee features a striking red color and can be placed in an entranceway or serve as a taste of deli...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Custom Made Art Deco Style SofaLocated in Buchanan, NYA recently designed sofa based on a classic French Art Deco 1920’s style design. This stunning piece is crafted in the traditional way, featuring hand tied springs and horsehair cons...Category
2010s American Art Deco Settees
MaterialsFabric
$7,520 Sale Price20% Off - Jules Leleu, Art Deco Sofa with Rounded Back, French, 1930sBy Jules LeleuLocated in New York, NYA lush, upholstered sofa with rounded arms, back, and feet. These last, executed in French polished beech, serve as a charming, subtle accent. Numbered...Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Beech
- Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, Pair Available, 1940sBy Paul FranklLocated in Houston, TXPaul Frankl sofa, matched pair available. USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measures: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSilk, Wood
- Paul Frankl Custom Sofa, 1940s, Pair AvailableBy Paul FranklLocated in Houston, TXPaul Frankl sofa, matched pair available, USA, circa 1944. From an important estate. Silk over oak frame. Measure: 88 W x 27 D x 33 H in. 224 W x ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSilk, Oak
- Sofa Deco, Made in ItalyBy VG New TrendLocated in Treviso, TrevisoVG furniture represent luxury in terms of exclusivity, distinction and high quality. They are the result of sophisticated and exclusive design with a strong identity and are the outc...Category
2010s Italian Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
$16,324 - Paul Frankl 'Speed' Art Deco Living Room Suite in Black Leather, circa 1930sBy Paul FranklLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis incredible Paul Frankl attributed 'Speed' full living room suite is comprised of a three-seat sofa, a 2-seat sofa, armchair and ottoman. The 3-seat sofa and armchair are original 1930s production based on the interior construction details and visible age. The 2-seat sofa and ottoman were created later in the 1980s to match the set and everything was then reupholstered to a thick quality black leather. I personally love this set - the wide arms are perfect for placing a glass of Scotch and an ashtray to enjoy a nice cigar. The deep black color and matching black block feet provide ample masculine style while the shape and silhouette provide a refined and classy vibe. The leather is thick and quality, also smooth and soft to the touch. The collector who acquired this sofa and armchair, purportedly in the 1980s, stated he found what he believed to be a Frankl Galleries (Paul Frankl's 1930s showroom) original example of the Speed sofa...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Living Room Sets
MaterialsLeather, Wood
$14,800 Sale Price / set32% Off
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Work Rattan and Wicker Furniture into Any Space
Interior designers Celerie Kemble and Angie Hranowsky dish out their advice on artfully bringing these natural materials into today's homes.
You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.