TOMMI PARZINGER 

Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903–1981) was a German furniture designer and painter, known for his distinctive "high-style modernism." Born in Munich in 1903, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932, fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime. He began his design career by working for Rena Rosenthal, creating custom household silverware, before expanding into furniture design. Parzinger’s early works were known for their light, graceful design and fine etched decoration. He became renowned as the “most creative original designer of silverware in the United States” in the late 1930s.

In 1939, he established his own company, Parzinger Originals, focusing on both custom furniture and silverware. His works were featured in the 1939 New York World’s Fair and attracted high-profile clients, including Marilyn Monroe, Billy Baldwin, and the Rockefeller family. Parzinger's designs were noted for their luxurious craftsmanship and the use of expensive materials like brass and lacquer. His furniture collections typically consisted of 12 to 30 pieces per year, with many being bespoke commissions. Parzinger's unique style blended sleek modernist forms with intricate, high-end embellishments, setting his work apart from other designers of the era.

Throughout the 1940s, Parzinger continued to expand his influence, designing for other companies such as Reed and Barton, Lightolier, and Salterini Hofstatter. He partnered with Donald Cameron, and the business grew under the name Parzinger Originals, which had several locations, including 32 East 57th Street, 601 Fifth Avenue, and 441 Madison Avenue. His designs were a favorite among affluent clients, including celebrities, fashion icons, and the elite of New York.

During the final years of his life, Parzinger turned his attention to painting. His early interest in art had evolved into a passion for abstract expressionism. By the 1960s, he spent the last 15 years of his life dedicated to painting, no longer designing furniture. Parzinger passed away in 1981, and the company was handed over to his friend and business partner, Donald Cameron. Following his death, Parzinger Originals closed its doors.

Parzinger's legacy as a designer remains significant. He is remembered for his ability to blend modernist principles with luxurious ornamentation, creating a new kind of furniture that was both functional and artistic. His works continue to be admired for their innovation and craftsmanship. His art, alongside his furniture, remains a lasting testament to his creative vision and influence on mid-century design.