'Station Wagon' Nightstands by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, c 1945, Signed

This rare collectors set of nightstands are by Paul T. Frankl for Johnson Furniture, circa 1945, and from the 'Station Wagon' series of bedroom furniture. Beautifully contrasting Mahogany and Maple refinished with an expensive French Polish; for the best of both worlds the leather and brass handles were kept original with decades of beautiful age and patina. Signed with Johnson Furniture Co stamp on inside drawers.

The large size of these nightstands allow them to be used as end tables to a sofa or sectional, or side tables to large club chairs or lounge chairs, as a chest of drawers under a dining table so the table can be used as a desk, or as a pair of stand-alone commodes.

This design is important in context to Mid-Century Modern and California Ranch House history. In 1950 House Beautiful magazine promoted the Frankl Station Wagon collection within their 'The Station Wagon Way of Life' feature as a concept of American Modernity bolstered by the American Station Wagon and American Ranch House style, using a photo of a Cliff May (prominent Mid-Century Ranch Style architect) bedroom interior as the opening image to this feature (see photos for this image).

The Johnson Furniture Co. brochure for the Station Wagon Group states: ‘Paul Frankl has designed the Station Wagon Group for zestful living in town or country. It is furniture for the young in heart, for the American tempo of gay, cheerful, convenient living.’ The group is described as ‘solid comfort’ with the ‘casual smartness of the Station Wagon design’.

Primed for collectors, both examples are signed in the top interior drawers, one with retailer tag. The signature leather and brass handles were intentionally left original and unrestored, with plenty of beautiful age and patina. Lovely craquelure to the leather gives character and casualness to this piece. The contrasting Mahogany and Maple cabinetry was refinished with a French Polish, the most laborious and expensive finish but worth every bit of effort and cost, as it now has a resilient and striking glass-like finish. The thick French Polish protects the wood from regular daily use and increases the intensity and vividness of the wood grain. The tops have inset for glass, glass tops can be included with no extra charge, and you can select the color / tint.

A rare, sought-after and important set for the most discriminating of interior designers, collectors, connoisseurs and art / design investors. Also very designer on-trend with California Modern and Ranch House styles soaring in popularity and demand.

Consider using these Paul T Frankl for Johnson Furniture 'Station Wagon' night stands in a bedroom or in a living room as end tables / side tables, as stand alone small chest of drawers, or in an office as desk drawers under a table. Perfect for a California Modern, Ranch House style, Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Post-Modern, Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office.

MEASUREMENTS:
H 21" x W 24" x D 22"

CONDITION:
Excellent restored condition with leather and brass left original. The exterior wood cabinet made of Mahogany and Maple was refinished with a French Polish and is in excellent vintage condition. Subtle age is still evidenced under the new polish. Leather and brass handles were left original to preserve a vintage look to the dresser. See photographs for specific details to leather and brass condition. Very attractive collectors example of the original 'Station Wagon' designed by Paul Frank for Johnson Furniture.