Paul T. Frankl

produced by Frankl Galleries, Los Angeles, CA

Commissioned directly from the artist by Cedric Gibbons, Bel Air, California, circa 1960
By descent to Hazel Martin Ross, wife of Cedric Gibbons, 1982
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1960

Paul T. Frankl, Space For Living:  Creative Interior Decoration and Design, New York, 1938, pp. 25, 39, 43, 81 and 105
Christopher Long, Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design, New Haven, 2007, pp. 92, 111, 119 and 138
John Stuart Gordon, A Modern World:  American Design from the Yale University Art Gallery, 1920-1950, New Haven, 2011, p. 319

Overall in very good original condition. The leather is in excellent original condition with a few small and minor light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use. The leather piping at the immediate edge with approximately three small and minor isolated nicks and minute adjacent losses. The fleece upholstery has recently been replaced in a manner and material consistent with the original design. The fleece upholstery a few very small and minor discolorations to the upholstery concentrated to the top surface of the ottoman. The chair and ottoman remarkably retain their original wheels. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Paul Frankl’s best-selling models with rare Hollywood provenance and in extraordinary original condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Frankl had long been interested in creating an alternative to the standard lounge chairs on the market.  Rather than resorting to streamlining or applied lines, he lengthened the seat of the “Speed” chair and set the top of the arms forward so that they inclined sharply downward and rearward toward the foot.  The long, low profile of the chair, in concert with his jutting, angular lines, produced an impression of movement.  Frankl first offered the chairs with standard “monk’s cloth” upholstery; eventually he would employ a wide array of other coverings, including contrasting leathers, fleece, pony hide, and, on the arms, cork panels.  The chair became one of his best selling designs, and he continued to produce them into the early 1950s.

The leather and “polar bear” fleece upholstery is one of the least common coverings.  The chair and ottoman retain their original wheels (not casters) and the original leather upholstery, though the fleece was replaced many years ago.

—Christopher Long