Johnson Furniture Designer

[Mattson]

Hi there, I am having the most difficult time finding out who the designer of this Johnson furniture piece is. I have two of them. How does one identify designer if the designer doesn't leave his/her mark (is it even possible) ? I'm stumped can anyone help?

Many kind thanks!!!
Michele

[drcollie]

The only way you will ever find the designer is to call the maker and talk to someone in the executive offices. Even then, they may not want to release their source. If Johnston Furniture is out of business, then you might have better luck finding out where Jimmy Hoffa is buried than tracking down the designer.

[simplyjeff]

Johnson Furniture of Grand Rapids, MI was a high end manufacturer in business between 1908 - 1983. Quite a few of their original designs were in the Art Deco style. The company's two best known designers were Paul Frankl and Renzo Rutili.

Jeff Frank
Simplicity Sofas

[drcollie]

Impressive, Jeff!!

[wintersummer]

Jeff - any thoughts about where you could find original pieces of Johnson Furniture? (other than the original poster!)

Mattson - where did your furniture come from? Has it been with you for some time or is it a new acquisition? I really like it!

[simplyjeff]

Jeff - any thoughts about where you could find original pieces of Johnson Furniture? (other than the original poster!)

Mattson - where did your furniture come from? Has it been with you for some time or is it a new acquisition? I really like it!

I would call around to antique dealerships and auction houses that specialize in furniture. Even though the furniture is not that old, the combination of quality and styling makes it salable by the same types of dealers. One interesting point, however, for Art Deco and other "Modern" styles from the first half of the 20th century is that a piece that has been refinished or repaired does not decrease in value as much as it would for an antique.

Jeff Frank
Simplicity Sofas

[Mattson]

Thanks everyone, for the information. I work for an Estate Liquidation company and will be listing this on e-bay soon. But first will try searching Paul Frankl and Renzo Rutili (thank you Pro Member simplyjeff) will see if I can find the exact one (wondering!!! do designers design multiple pieces of the same...hummm)

To: Fearless Leader drcollie:"you might have better luck finding out where Jimmy Hoffa is buried than tracking down the designer.", you might be right

Michele

[wintersummer]

Michelle - can you let me know when it goes up for sale?

[Mattson]

Hello Senior Member wintersummer, I sure will, it will more than likely be listed next week. Our store name on e-bay is Mattson Co SD's Estate Liquidator. Do you happen to know the designer? Just thought I'd ask!

Thanks,
Michele

[Mattson]

Michelle - can you let me know when it goes up for sale?

Hello wintersummer, Just letting you know that it is now up in e-bay. Here's the item # 120864961406. Ok have a great day!, Michele