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Among the most ardent proponents of modern design in the United States, Frankl was keen to find his own course. He even chose to avoid Paris during that city’s enormous 1925 celebration of modern design, so as “not to be influenced by the French exhibit.” Instead, he retreated to upstate New York, where he set about developing a uniquely American modern style. Frustrated by the clutter in his cabin, Frankl built a bookcase similar to this one. Almost by accident, the piece mimicked the stepped profiles of New York’s skyscrapers. Frankl had stumbled upon his new, signature style.
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"Skyscraper" desk and bookcase
Designed by: Paul T. Frankl (American, born in Austria, 1886 – 1958)
Retailed by: Frankl Galleries (active 1920–1946)
Retailed by: Frankl Galleries (active 1920–1946)
about 1927–1928
Object Place: New York, New York
Medium/Technique
Walnut, walnut veneer, pine, birch plywood, core board, American beech (?), steel, paint, silverplated brass handles, electrical wiring and light bulb
Dimensions
Overall: 210.8 x 123.8 x 54 cm (83 x 48 3/4 x 21 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
The John Axelrod Collection
Accession Number2011.1647
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsFurniture – Case furniture and boxes
Among the most ardent proponents of modern design in the United States, Frankl was keen to find his own course. He even chose to avoid Paris during that city’s enormous 1925 celebration of modern design, so as “not to be influenced by the French exhibit.” Instead, he retreated to upstate New York, where he set about developing a uniquely American modern style. Frustrated by the clutter in his cabin, Frankl built a bookcase similar to this one. Almost by accident, the piece mimicked the stepped profiles of New York’s skyscrapers. Frankl had stumbled upon his new, signature style.
ProvenanceBy 1981, owned by Thanks for the Memories (gallery), Los Angeles, California; December 5, 1981, purchased from TFTM by John Axelrod, Boston, Massachusetts as part of a three piece bedroom set; 2008, promised gift of John Axelrod to the Museum; 2011, gift of John Axelrod to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 21, 2011)