The Largest Collection of Original Frankl Rattan Now Available to the Public for the First Time in Decades

Selections from Harvey’s Private Collection of rare, original Paul T. Frankl rattan furniture.
Los Angeles: Harvey G. Schwartz, a celebrated dealer of premium and vintage rattan furniture, proudly announces the launch of Harvey’s Private Collection. This exclusive collection features the rarest and most exquisite rattan furniture designed by the legendary Austrian-American modernist Paul T. Frankl. For the first time in decades, 25 museum-quality Frankl rattan pieces will be available for sale to the public through harveysprivatecollection.com.
Schwartz has spent more than 45 years assembling the most exceptional collection of Frankl’s rattan works. His dedication and expertise have earned him the title of the foremost authority on Paul T. Frankl’s designs. Harvey’s Private Collection represents the pinnacle of his efforts, offering discerning collectors and tastemakers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own these iconic pieces.
“Paul T. Frankl transformed a rather dated type of furniture into something modern and urbane,” wrote Christopher Long in his book Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design. Frankl’s innovative use of rattan in the 1930s and 1940s brought a new level of sophistication to interior décor, blending organic shapes with modern aesthetics. His designs became a staple among Hollywood’s elite, gracing the homes of many stars of the day—Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, and Charlie Chaplin. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, FAIA, was a frequent customer, as was noted interior decorator Elsie de Wolfe, who used pieces in her own home.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles from New York City, Frankl was immediately enamored with Southern California’s sunlight and lush surroundings. His work moved from urban “Skyscraper” forms to a more leisurely tropical aesthetic. Bent rattan comprises his multi-strand sofas and lounge chairs with their signature “Pretzel” arms and elaborate bindings. Casegoods and tables often mix rattan, bamboo, and mahogany.
“Paul T. Frankl’s work is a testament to the enduring appeal of rattan furniture,” says Schwartz. “His ability to transform a humble material into elegant, modern pieces has left an indelible mark on design history. With Harvey’s Private Collection, we are offering these treasures to the world and continuing Frankl’s legacy of modern American design.”
Schwartz’s journey with furniture began in 1969 when he opened his first store in Los Angeles, later followed in 1977 by Harvey’s on Beverly—a must-shop resource for interior designers and collectors. His passion for rattan—and especially Frankl’s designs—grew, leading him to acquire Tropical Sun Rattan in 1978. Throughout the decades, Harvey has meticulously restored and preserved Frankl’s pieces, ensuring their authenticity and quality. His collection includes items sourced from homes designed by Frankl himself, making them true masterpieces of craftsmanship.
The collection’s launch marks a significant moment for collectors and design enthusiasts. Each piece in Harvey’s Private Collection is an original Frankl work, distinguished by its unique craftsmanship and historic significance. The collection is available for purchase on harveysprivatecollection.com, offering a seamless online experience for buyers.
About 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.
About Harvey G. Schwartz:
Harvey G. Schwartz is the leading expert in vintage rattan furniture and the author of Rattan Furniture: Tropical Comfort Throughout the House. His extensive collection of Paul T. Frankl’s rattan works is the largest in the world, earning him recognition as “The Rattan Man.” Harvey’s dedication to preserving and promoting Frankl’s designs has made him a revered figure in the world of modernist furniture.
For more information, visit: harveysprivatecollection.com
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