Josef Frank
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a mahogany secretaire, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, model 1036, probably 1960-70's.
The front with nine drawers and writing flap, interior with four small drawers and shelves, brass handles and finials. Height 123 cm, width 120 cm, depth 42 cm. Key included.
The back with drilled holes, minor wear.
Provenance
Bukowskis Modern spring sale 2007, lot 1185, reportedly bought in 1968.
Literature
Ann-Sofi Topelius (ed), Josef Frank: 1885-1967 : minnesutställning : 4 april - 19 maj 1968, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, 1968, compare the model illustrated p 32.
More information
The model was probably made to order already in 1936 and the first few pieces was manufactured in 1940.
Designer
Josef Frank was born in Austria and studied architecture in Vienna. As an architect, he worked with private home areas, villas and apartment buildings. In 1925 he started his own interior design firm Haus und Garten together with two architect colleagues. In connection with the advance of the Nazis, he emigrated to Sweden and was employed in 1934 at Svenskt Tenn. After the outbreak of World War II, Josef Frank, who came from a Jewish family, was forced into exile in New York. At Svenskt Tenn, he made an impact on the product range for four decades; especially when it comes to furniture and fabric prints.
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