Working in Paris, New York and Argentina, Jean-Michel Frank created refined furniture and lighting distinguished by subtle proportions and understated elegance. Working during the interwar years, Frank developed calm, restrained interiors that offered a sophisticated counterpoint to the turbulence of the period. His furniture, often clad in vellum, bleached leather or shagreen, is characterised by clean lines and exceptional craftsmanship, designed to harmonise with the modern art collections of his patrons.
22nd Apr, 2026 10:00
Design & Contemporary
Jean-Michel Frank (French 1895-1941) for COMTE, Argentina
Bench
Circa 1930s to 1940s
Oak, white upholstery
Stamped 'J.M. Frank' to underside
45cm high x 110cm wide x 47cm deep
Preview: Barley Mow Centre
Literature
Page 229, The Stylemakers, Minimalism and Modernism, 1915-1945
The collection of Mo Amelia Teitelbaum
Mo is a collector, researcher and author who specialises in the period that Jean-Michel Frank spent in the South Americas. She has dedicated much of her life to researching this once forgotten and underappreciated time in Frank's period of creativity. It was in Argentina that his friendship with the Chillian patron, collector and muse Eugenia Errazuriz deepened and he met Ignacio Pirovano, the man he would go on to found COMTE with.
Mo has penned two fascinating books on this period of Frank's life; The Stylemakers, Minimalism and Classic Modernism 1915-1945 and Jean-Michel Frank, Une Aventure Sud-Américaine. Both much lauded by Jean-Michel Frank collectors and enthusiasts of this period of Design and Modernism.
Chiswick Auctions would like to thank the Mo for allowing us to present the current work to auction, we feel privileged to have the opportunity to offer such a rare and important piece of Jean-Michel Frank's design history.
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