Josef Frank Silk Pendant

A refurbished silk ceiling lamp (model 2560) by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn

Josef Frank (1885-1967) was an Austrian-born architect, designer, and co-founder of the Vienna School of Architecture. He is renowned for his contributions to modernist design and is particularly celebrated for his influential work in furniture, textile, and interior design. Here are some key aspects of Josef Frank's life and career.

Born on July 15, 1885, in Baden, near Vienna, Josef Frank studied architecture at the Technische Hochschule in Vienna, where he later taught.

In 1919, Frank co-founded the Vienna School of Architecture, along with architects Oskar Strnad, Walter Sobotka, and others. The school emphasized functionalism and a departure from traditional architectural styles.
Fleeing the rise of the Nazis, Frank and his Swedish wife, Anna, immigrated to Sweden in 1933. There, he continued his design career and became a Swedish citizen in 1939.
In Sweden, Josef Frank began working with the design company Svenskt Tenn, founded by Estrid Ericson. His collaboration with Svenskt Tenn produced a wide range of designs, including furniture, fabrics, and wallpapers.
Josef Frank's work has experienced a resurgence of interest in recent years. His designs are considered timeless, and his influence is evident in the continued popularity of his furniture and textile creations. Many of his patterns are still in production by Svenskt Tenn.Josef Frank's enduring impact on design lies in his ability to blend modernist principles with a humanistic and colorful aesthetic, creating designs that remain relevant and beloved today.