Arts & Lifestyle

Celebrating Josef Frank

Looking to inject a bolt of optimism this spring? Delve into the surreal world of architect and designer Josef Frank (1885-1967). Loyal fans adore his colourful take on Swedish modernism, charmed most famously by the patterned textiles, furniture and metalware that he designed in collaboration with visionary Estrid Ericson (founder of Svenskt Tenn), all design classics for over 60 years. Thanks to the UK’s first exhibition dedicated to his work at the Fashion and Textile Museum, a spotlight upon his bolder, brighter more uplifting approach to interiors is inspiring a new generation of maximalists. He worked according to two philosophies: 1) 'Accidentism’, coined by Frank in 1958, the ethos being objects should work harmoniously together through one's unifying love for them and 2) 'Repetition', which dictated that repeat patterns are calming - the brain can find comfort when concentrating on pattern. Why not adopt his approach when decorating your home? Here are Vogue’s favourite Josef Frank interiors set to inspire…

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    Josef Frank in 1960. He spent the later part of his life painting vibrant watercolours depicting his travels, landscapes, still lives and cityscapes.

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    Josef Frank Fifties sofas covered in 'Hawaii' by Svenskt Tenn stand on a shag-pile Mongolian sheepskin rug, alongside a table by Erik Johansson and an Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen. The Great Hall, Corrour Lodge, Scottish Highlands, designed by architect Moshe Safdie.

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    The ‘Hollywood-style’ room set Frank and Ericson created for a design exhibition in 1934. A 2.5m curved sofa upholstered in a floral pattern, animal skin rugs and a glamorous drinks cabinet shocked the Swedish monochrome design world.

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    Private home, sofa and armchair upholstered in 'La Plata' and table upholstered in 'Poisons', by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn.

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    In his textile patterns, Josef Frank created visually uplifting worlds that stood in stark contrast to the reality of the interwar period and World War II. The lobster print 'Italian dinner', was an imaginary supper he created in a period of rationing. From left to right: Italian Dinner, Mirakel, Primavera, Delhi, Hawai, Dixieland.

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    The Fashion and Textiles Museum​
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    A room set to inspire at the current exhibition at Fashion And Textile Museum. Sofa upholstered in 'Mille Fleurs' and cushions upholstered in 'Dehli' and 'La Plata' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn.

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    Chest and Carpet number 1 (1938) by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn at the Fashion And Textile Museum.

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    The dining room in Anne's house, Millesgården. Fitted with Josef Frank furniture by Estrid Ericson.

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