Paul Frankl Cork and Ebonized Sideboard and Hutch for Johnson Furniture
View Similar Items
Paul Frankl Cork and Ebonized Sideboard and Hutch for Johnson Furniture
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 71.75 in (182.25 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Mahogany,Ebonized
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. These pieces have been expertly refinished. They are in mint condition with only little hint of its former wear.
- Seller Location:Culver City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1139221898402
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.
John Stuart
Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.
In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.
Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.
Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.
- Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and WalnutBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Culver City, CAThis buffet is absolutely stunning! This ebonized mahogany and walnut sideboard / buffet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features heavy brass accents and pulls in a gorgeous chinoiserie feel. A piece like this is so elegant and clean it can really seamlessly inject a modern, refined look into any environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a brass Mastercraft dining table, accented with brass Paul Evans cityscape dining chairs...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMahogany, Walnut
- Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cork Top Ebonized Coffee TableBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Culver City, CAAvailable right now we have this stunning Edward Wormley for Dunbar coffee table. This expertly refinished coffee table features a gridded cork top and an elegantly modern ebonized frame, for a timeless chic look. The coffee table is quite substantial and effortlessly flexes into more traditional, regency, and even boho chic / beach house style...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut, Cork
- Monumental Sized Karl Springer Goatskin Credenza with COABy Karl SpringerLocated in Culver City, CAThis piece is absolutely stunning!! A monumentally large Karl Springer custom angular credenza in a creamy, ultra luxurious goatskin. The goat skin hides on the front have a wonderfully matched curvy seem that is just stunning. This dreamy credenza would be an impressive addition to any dining room, living-room console or entry piece and would effortlessly flex into even a more business or industrial environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a set of Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofas with a Paul Evans coffee table and a Gabriella Crespi console...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsGoatskin
- Set of Four Chrome Cityscape Chairs by Paul Evans for DirectionalBy Directional, Paul EvansLocated in Culver City, CAA stunning and rare set of 4 chrome cityscape chairs by Paul Evans for Directional. This matched set of PE-241 arm chairs are upholstered in a supple black matte ultrasuede and feature Evans' signature chrome patchwork design. These gorgeous Paul Evans Cityscape chairs...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsChrome
$6,000 Sale Price / set59% Off - Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey VelvetBy Directional, Paul McCobbLocated in Culver City, CAAvailable right now we have this absolutely gorgeous Paul McCobb for Directional, model 314 wingback lounge chair. This lounge chair is stunning-- very large in scale, and clad in fine cotton velvet that has a slight sheen. This gorgeous wingback was designed in the 1950's by Paul McCobb for Directional furniture, which is known for its high quality manufacturing. Many famed designers such as Milo Baughman, Paul Evans and even Vladimir Kagan have designed for Directional furniture, as it's truly a furniture dynasty producer of legacy furniture...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
MaterialsVelvet, Walnut
- Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Cityscape Credenza, Directional, Signed, 1970sBy Paul EvansLocated in Culver City, CAThis credenza is absolutely stunning! Paul Evans Cityscape line is a furniture collection that was designed by American sculptor and furniture designer Paul Evans in the 1970s. The Cityscape line is characterized by its geometric forms, mixed materials, and bold, textured finishes. Paul Evans was renowned for his innovative use of metals and his mastery of the sculpting and welding techniques required to create these types of unique designs. He combined different materials like burl and chrome-- in this piece to create stunning pieces of furniture that were functional works of art. Paul Evans Cityscape line pieces are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike, and are considered iconic examples of Mid-Century Modern furniture design. Paul Evans (1931-1987) was an American artist, sculptor, and furniture designer who is best known for his unique and highly sought-after modern and Brutalist furniture designs from the mid-20th century. Born in Pennsylvania, Evans began his career as a metalworker, first studying at the School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, New York and later at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. He then went on to work for several different furniture manufacturers before eventually founding his own studio in the mid-1950s. Throughout his career, Evans was known for his innovative use of metals and his mastery of sculpting and welding techniques. He created furniture that was both functional and artistic, with a strong emphasis on texture and surface treatments. His signature designs often featured geometric forms, mixed materials, and bold finishes, and were highly influential in the development of Mid-Century Modern design. Evans' work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His furniture is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts, and remains an important part of the Mid-Century Modern design movement. This credenza would look incredible in any Mid-Century Modern, modern or contemporary environment. We currently have this credenza paired with a Milo Baughman burl dining table. When this piece is in the room, it steals the show. We had this piece featured in our booth at Round Top with a Rafael Raffel...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
$14,000 Sale Price30% Off
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. x Pull Cork Top SideboardBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Stamford, CTPaul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. X Pull Cork Top Sideboard. As found condition with original black painted finish and cork tip that has been painted white. Brass X pulls retain ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Buffet CabinetBy Johnson Furniture Co., Paul FranklLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork buffet cabinet An exquisite, iconic and truly timeless and unparalleled classic, complete buffet and display case by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Co. The 2 door breakfront cabinet...Category
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Buffets
MaterialsBrass
- Paul Frankl Six Drawer Sideboard Cork Johnson Furniture 1950sBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Camden, MEPaul Frankl sideboard with two side doors and six drawers manufactured by Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan from the 1950s. Cork topped cabinet of rosewood stained ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsMaple, Cork
- Cork Sideboard / Dresser by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, c. 1950s, SignedBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis restored Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture sideboard cabinet or dresser, circa 1950s, features beautiful refinished Mahogany and cork with brass x-shaped pulls and is signed ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- MCM Cork and Wood Sideboard with Mirror by Paul Frankl for Johnson FurnitureBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in Chicago, ILMid Century Modern Cork and Wood Credenza/Sideboard with Mirror by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture This amazing cork and wood credenza/sideboard is a great piece to bring togethe...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsWood, Cork
- Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Black Lacquered Mahogany Sideboard CredenzaBy Johnson Furniture Company, Paul FranklLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with lacquered cork top and b...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass