By Josef Frank
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Inspired by Josef Frank, cabinet ‘Flora’, ash, paper with floral motifs, Scandinavia, 1950s
Delicate cabinet with floral paper surfaces that resemble the famous ‘Flora’ cabinets by Josef Frank (1885-1967). Like Josef Frank designs features this example two front doors and the two sides coated in paper. The same sized formats are attached to the cabinet by hand. Each of the papers shows a different plant. Five rows of six depictions combine into a striking composition that has aged with authentic patina over time. Furthermore, four high and tapered legs as well as a carved line on the bottom of cabinet strengthen the design. The interior is divided into two compartments of drawers and open shelving on top.
This cabinet follows Frank’s idea to design the surfaces of cabinets in a different, uncommon way. In the early 1930s, Frank began to cover cubic cabinets in (colorful) fabric. He embraced colors and patterns when other designers cut back on ornaments and decorative elements. The inspiration for his ‘Flora’ cabinets derived from a visit to the summer house ‘Hammarby’ owned by botanist Carl Linnaeus (close to Uppsala). In this house the walls of the bedroom are decorated with hand-colored floral papers. In 1951, Frank was part of an exhibition of Svenskt Tenn in the United States, at the Kaufman’s department store in Pittsburgh. The department store frequently exhibited the newest designs. In five large showrooms complete room interiors were displayed and introduced Swedish modernism to the United States. Josef Frank’s cabinet model ‘852...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paper Wardrobes and Armoires