Set of Two Stools by Paul Frankl in Cork and Wood for Johnson, The United States

In the later chapters of Paul Frankl’s career, natural materials and relaxed forms took centre stage. This pair of cork and wood stools, attributed to Frankl and likely dating from the 1950s to 1960s, reflects that shift toward tactile comfort and architectural clarity; qualities that defined his mid-century work for Johnson Furniture Company.

Design
Each stool features a thick cork seat set atop a solid mahogany base. The visual contrast between the warm, textured cork and the sharply framed wooden support captures the duality in Frankl’s designs: soft yet structural, informal yet refined. During this period, cork emerged as a favoured material in his furniture. Valued for its durability, weight, and organic surface. The open rectangular cut-outs on the base recall elements from his earlier geometric experiments, pared down here into a clean, functional form.

Although unmarked, these stools bear a strong resemblance to Frankl’s documented cork-top designs for Johnson Furniture, particularly those intended for casual, multi-use living environments. Their proportions and construction also align with known examples from his later California period, when his work helped shape the aesthetics of American modernism.

Condition
Both stools are in good vintage condition. The cork shows age-appropriate wear with natural tonal variation; the wood bases have minor scuffs and surface wear consistent with use.