Private Air New York

www.privateairny.com Private Air | Spring 2025 75 THE COLLECTION Harvey G. Schwartz's Private Collection debuts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own rare, museum-quality rattan furniture by Paul T. Frankl, showcasing the timeless elegance and modernist charm that defined Hollywood's golden era. Words By: Katherine Gannon TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN ORGANIC FORM S tep into a world where design transcends time, where the curves of nature meet the sophistication of modernity, and where the legacy of Paul T. Frankl's rattan furniture is reborn through Harvey's Private Collection. In an era dominated by fleeting trends, this exclusive offering reminds us of the enduring beauty of craftsmanship rooted in innovation and vision. Paul T. Frankl, a luminary of modern American design, revolutionized the use of rattan in the 1930s and 1940s, elevating it from a utilitarian material to an emblem of elegance. With his iconic "Pretzel" armchairs and multi-strand sofas, Frankl captured the essence of Southern California living—sunlight filtering through lush greenery, the warmth of tropical breezes, and the seamless interplay of indoor and outdoor aesthetics. Harvey G. Schwartz, the premier connoisseur of Frankl's work, has spent over four decades curating, restoring, and preserving these masterpieces, culminating in the launch of Harvey's Private Collection. Paul T. Frankl Fan Chair and Ottoman The Paul T. Frankl 1938 restored rattan Fan Arm Lounge Chair with Ottoman is a rare piece showcasing the distinctive Art Deco style with its fan-shaped armrests and rattan construction. Harvey Schwartz recreated this chair design for the living room set of "The Golden Girls" TV show. Price includes custom cushions. Dimensions: Chair—31" H x 33.5" W x 31" D, 16" Seat Height; Ottoman— 17" H x 21" W x 21" D Price: $27,000 Fabric: selections from Hawaii Barkcloth or COM, 4 yards Paul T Frankl Paul T. Frankl (1886-1958) was a pioneering designer who brought rattan into the realm of high-end interior décor. His innovative designs in the 1930s and 1940s redefined modern American furniture, blending organic materials with sleek, minimalist forms. His original pieces are in the collections of more than 15 significant international museums, including Cooper-Hewitt/Smithsonian Design Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (purchased from Harvey's Private Collection), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Vitra Design Museum. They remain highly coveted by collectors and continue to influence contemporary design. Photo credit: courtesy Paulette Frankl Collection

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