American industrial designer Tony Paul was born in the Bronx, NY on February 28, 1918. Paul attended the Pratt Institute and remained in the NY area during his nearly 60 year career, with stints in Italy and Spain. His designs were distributed by several companies including, Raymor, Westwood, Verplex, Woodlin-Hall, The Elton Company and eventually his own design firm Tony Paul and Associates (Tony was also part owner of The Elton Company and as with many Mid-Century studios, I believe the Elton name was created by combining the partner's last names, in this case Elliott and Tony).
Though he designed a wide variety of products during his career, including an arm chair which was selected for MOMA's "Good Design" award, Paul favored lighting design.
During his career he associated with many of the Mid-Century's top industrial designers including Arthur Umanoff, Russel Wright, Ben Seibel and Paul McCobb. I am not sure who influenced who, but the works of Umanoff (in particular those that he designed for The Elton Company) bore a strong resemblance to Paul's pieces; so much so that I often get the two designers mixed-up!
Woodlin-Hall Interlace nesting tables
Woodlin-Hall Interlace planters
Tony Paul's Interlace Model 571 glass top magazine table. Image via
Woodlin-Hall planter
Tony Paul Wires Collection for The Elton Co.
Tony Paul lamp for The Elton Company, c. 1952. Reform Gallery
Wires Collection table lamp (I don't believe the shade is original). Reform Gallery
This fishing basket wicker floor lamp is attributed to Paul. Dual Modern
Magazine rack, Tempo Group Model 812 for Woodlin-Hall. Just In Modern
Mosaic top side table for Westwood, c. 1950's. Dual Modern
Various Tony Paul designs for Robert Barber Inc.
Three-tier tray console, Tempo Group, Woodlin-Hall
Stacking tables with ashtray, Tempo Group Model 800, Woodlin-Hall. via Just In Modern
Tony Paul Sling Chair. via Howl Interiors
Various Tony Paul lamp designs for Westwood
Pair of Westwood lamps. via Lewis-Trimble
Tony pictured in front of his sculpture at the Peter Du Jardin store in New Jersey
Interior of the Peter Du Jardin store which sold Paul's pieces
Tony Paul (1918-2010)
For more on Tony Paul see his official website here. The site was created by his family as a tribute to Tony's legacy as a designer. All images above are courtesy Tony Paul Designs unless otherwise noted.
6 comments:
never heard of him (gulp!. To me if feels kinda like Mccobb lines meet Umanoff material-can't go wrong with that! Thanks for the post.
great post Kevin, my mom had some of this wirey work when we were growing up. brings back memories.
I agree, his work definitely has a McCobb feel, especially his earlier work for Robert Barber (see above).
Kevin
I've been learning from and appreciating your contributions for some time. As a former blogger, I say let those who get a thrill out of correcting you and feeling superior do their job...it ultimately helps connect some dots for an otherwise friendly community. In all, I consider your blog one of the best, period. I am honored to have a photo on your most recent Tony Paul post. Will go check out your tumbler next.
Barry Smith
aka studiosmith
Great post! I'd never heard of Paul but his pieces are really interesting. I love the "thin black line" metal components, which remind me of Miro paintings.
Does anyone know anything about the armchair/ottoman in the foreground of the Peter Du Jardin store photo? Is that Tony Paul also? It looks more Danish Modern, but I've never seen it before.
Hey Rob, Glad I could introduce you to someone new. I too liked the lounge chair and ottoman in the Peter Du Jardin photo... I am not sure who designed/produced it, possibly Folke Ohlsson/ Dux Furniture? Anyone out there who can clue us in please post a comment!
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