The Jean and Roger Grossman Collection
In 1955 Jean and Roger Grossman commissioned Tommi Parzinger to design the interior of their Chappaqua, New York home. Utilizing the rich materials and fine craftsmanship that he was known for, Parzinger created cosmopolitan designs that would serve as the centerpieces of the Grossman home for years. Donald Cameron, who would later head Parzinger Originals, was a frequent guest at the home and a close friend of Mrs. Grossman’s.
Tommi Parzinger 1903–1981
Tommi Anton Parzinger was born on February 21, 1903, in Munich, Germany. He was raised in an artistic family and studied at the prestigious Kunstgewebeschule, focusing on a variety of media including ceramic, glass, metal, wood, painting, and design. Parzinger began his career as a freelance designer in Germany and Austria before emigrating to the United States in 1932 after winning a poster contest for North German Lloyd, a steamship company. He settled in New York City in 1935, where he took a job designing silverware, furniture, and accessories for Rena Rosenthal’s famous Madison Avenue shop.
Over time, furniture became Parzinger’s primary focus. In 1938, he became a designer for Charak in Boston and the following year he formed his own business, Parzinger, Inc., in New York, which was later renamed Parzinger Originals in 1946. His design philosophy was rooted in the belief that beauty and functionality should coexist harmoniously. He often employed luxurious materials such as lacquer, brass, and fine woods, and his pieces were frequently adorned with intricate hand-painted details or subtle embellishments. His furniture designs were both practical and aesthetically pleasing, featuring elegant silhouettes and a restrained yet opulent style, and characterized by clean lines, exquisite craftsmanship, and a meticulous attention to detail.
Parzinger's work played a pivotal role in shaping the mid-century modern aesthetic. His designs were favored by prominent figures in society, including Hollywood celebrities and influential business leaders (such as Marilyn Monroe, the DuPont family, and the Rockefellers), which helped cement his reputation as a leading designer of his time. Parzinger's creations were featured in prestigious department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and high-end interior design firms, making his work accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, he continued to work in graphic design and designed furniture, lighting, and accessories for other companies, including Reed and Barton, Lightolier, Salterini Hofstatter, and Dorlyn.
Despite his significant contributions to design, Parzinger remained relatively understated in his personal life, allowing his work to speak for itself. In his later years, painting became his passion, and he primarily focused on creating abstract expressionist works. His legacy is one of elegance, innovation, and timeless beauty, and his work continues to be highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts today.
Auction Results Tommi Parzinger
