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.
Paul Frankl Telechron American Moderne Deco Clock, 1928
By Paul Frankl
Located in Sharon, CT
The iconic American Deco Frankl 'Skyscraper' mantel clock. Polished silver over brass with black bakelite base. This rare 'top of line' deco item retains the original bevelled glass ...
Glass
$1,100
H 7.75 in W 6 in D 3.75 in
Vintage Art Deco Telechron Electroalarm Skyscraper Desk Clock Bakelite
By Paul Frankl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful Art Deco bakelite desk clock with alarm. Model 700 made ca' 1930's. In very good original condition, the clock is running and alarm works, though not tested for accuracy....
Brass
Paul Frankl Skyscraper Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock
By Paul Frankl
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Period Art Deco Bakelite Telechron Clock in the manner of Paul Frankl As Found Condition. Missing the glass lens. the metal piece in front is ...
Bakelite
Art Deco Rare Mystery Clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Devon, England
Aside the appearance and super rarity of this marvellous Art Deco clock on first viewing, one can't be distracted away from the condition as well, which for it's 90 odd years is noth...
Marble, Brass, Chrome
Cartier Art Deco Table Clock
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Art Deco period table clock by Cartier is an extremely rare find and in a class of its own. Crafted of black lacquer, no detail was spared by the famed firm in creating this hig...
Silver, Brass
Swiss Art Deco table clock from the 1930s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Swiss Art Deco Mantel Clock, 1930 This Art Deco mantel clock features a circular, clear glass dial that allows for an unobstructed view. The Arabic numerals and hour markers are silk...
Bronze
Art Deco Mantel Clock Not Functioning
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description: This mantel clock in art deco style has probably been produced in Germany. Its 190.66 cm mechanism appears in Kienzle, and Haller clocks. The clock has a minimal...
Wood
Art Deco Stylish Desk Clock 8 Day Movement, English, c1930s
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this beautifully restored Art Deco desk clock in full working condition. A beautiful vintage chromed 8 day desk clock with a Smiths “C” type movement that w...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Model "Ben Franklin" S4 Electric Clock by Westclox
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Here we have an original "Ben Franklin" by Westclox, a trademark of the Western Clock Manufacturing Company of LaSalle, Illinois. This clock was introduc...
Bakelite
Art Deco Eight Day Chrome Clock By Bentima, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Art Deco 1930's chrome Mantle / desk Clock by Bentima featuring a traditional carriage style key wound movement with jewelled platform escapement in good working order. The Clock fea...
Chrome
Atmos Jaeger LeCoultre Clock 35069 circa 1950s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage Jaeger Lecoultre Atmos clock with a very low serial number. In good condition with some tarnish.
Brass
Atmos Jaeger LeCoultre Clock Gold Plated 287992 1960s
By Jaeger-LeCoultre
Located in Miami, FL
An Atmos clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Gold plated and glass frame. In very clean condition.
Brass
Robert Zeidman Modern Geometric Abstract Sculpture
By Robert Zeidman
Located in Miami, FL
A large sculpture by Robert Zeidman. The geometric shapes are arranged in an upward totemic manner. Name of piece is Celebration II as picture in the accompanying catalog.
Wood
Cruise Liner Dining Chimes from Cunard RMS Aquitania
Located in Miami, FL
Very interesting lot. From the Aquitania cruise liner. In very good original condition. Aquitania was the third in Cunard Line's grand trio of express liners, preceded by RMS...
Brass
Dina Kuhn Mundharmonikerspieler Harmonica Player Table Lamp
Located in Miami, FL
A rare ceramic sculpture by Dina Kuhn presented as a lamp.
Ceramic
Ico Parisi Bookcase Model 459 Italy 1955
By Ico Parisi
Located in Miami, FL
An Ico Parisi bookcase in mahogany veneer with a glass shelf and brass accents.
Glass, Wood
