Bar Cabinet and Secretary by Josef Frank for Werkstätten Haus & Garten / Blitz Residence, Vienna, Austria, 1927, Set of 2

Details

Description

Cabinet ensemble by josef frank (1927)

werkstätten haus & garten, vienna
commissioned by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna

design:
this … Read more Cabinet ensemble by josef frank (1927)

werkstätten haus & garten, vienna
commissioned by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna

design:
this rare and fully documented cabinet ensemble was designed in 1927 by austrian architect and designer josef frank (1885–1967), and produced by the viennese workshop haus & garten, which he co-founded with oskar wlach. Created as a private commission for the blitz residence in vienna, the ensemble consists of two distinct yet harmoniously designed modular cabinets:

a mirrored bar cabinet with original drawers and compartmentalized storage
a fall-front writing cabinet (sekretär) with internal shelving and functional compartments

both pieces exhibit frank’s early modernist vocabulary: geometric restraint softened by high-quality natural materials and subtle asymmetry.

materials and construction
structure: solid wood
veneer: figured cuban mahogany (swietenia mahagoni)
fittings: original brass ball-hinges, locks, escutcheons, and working keys
mirror glass: original to the period

dimensions (combined)
width: 310 cm
height: 147 cm
depth: 40 cm

restoration (2024-25)

the ensemble underwent a conservation-focused restoration, with emphasis on preserving historical integrity:

the structural framework was stabilized without altering original elements.
a non-original back panel (installed ca. 1960s) was retained for historical continuity.
no synthetic polish or shellac was applied; surfaces were treated with hard wax oil only.
original patina, minor wear, and aged surfaces were intentionally preserved
all original fittings, hinges, and mirror elements remain intact and functional.

provenance and documentation:
commissioned in 1927 by hugo and malvin blitz, vienna

documented photographically in situ in innen-dekoration (darmstadt), 1928
registered in the mak museum archive, vienna
authenticated and valued via barnebys platform.
full photographic and restoration documentation available upon request.


historical context:
this ensemble represents one of the most complete and architecturally cohesive examples of josef frank’s domestic design during his viennese period, prior to his emigration to sweden.

following the anschluss in 1938, the furniture was confiscated by the gestapo during the aryanization of jewish property. Its probable redistribution through dorotheum reflects the fate of many cultural assets looted during this period. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
misattribution See less