Wire Chairs by John Keal for Pacific Iron
About the Item
- Creator:John Keal (Designer),Pacific Iron (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition, minimal wear as shown. Wear consistent with age and use. See pictures for details.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7152235040702
John Keal
At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
The Austrian-born Frankl was already a big name in decorating in California in the late 1930s — his clients were Hollywood movie stars who were drawn to pieces such as his Art Deco-style Skyscraper series and other biomorphically shaped designs that showed the influence of Chinese and Japanese forms (Brown-Saltman’s offerings were frequently demonstrative of Asian influences). Frankl had become interested in producing inexpensive furniture for middle-class consumers, and his 1940s-era collaboration with Brown-Saltman was a success — print advertisements touted his name as well as the fact that these furnishings, which drew on the clean lines of chrome-framed Bauhaus pieces but instead integrated organic materials, were intended for modern homes.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables in walnut and topped with enameled copper and upholstered low-profile dining chairs framed in bleached mahogany for Brown-Saltman as well as other West Coast mid-century brands such as Glenn of California and Modeline.
Find vintage John Keal seating, storage pieces and tables on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chicago, IL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Tappo Chairs by John Mascheroni for VectaBy John Mascheroni, Vecta GroupLocated in Chicago, ILc. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Available individually. Matching tables available.Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Zigo Chairs by Ron Arad for DriadeBy Driade, Ron AradLocated in Chicago, ILc. 1993. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Rattan and bent tube construction. Indoor or outdoor use. Stackable.Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Antony Chair by Jean Prouve for VitraBy Jean Prouvé, VitraLocated in Chicago, ILc. 2002. Iconic French design, produced by frites. Metal legs with wood seat.Category
Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Wooden Chair by Lawrence Minsker for Fritz HansenBy Fritz HansenLocated in Chicago, ILHard to find chair by Fritz Hansen. Perfect for desk chair, or side chair.Category
Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Cone Chair by Verner Panton for Plus LinjeBy Plus-Linje, Verner PantonLocated in Chicago, ILc. 1970s. Reupholstered in speckled fabric, might be Raf Simons Kvadrat. This model has been refoamed as well.Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Matinee Chair by Vladimir Kagan for American LeatherBy Vladimir Kagan, American LeatherLocated in Chicago, ILc. 2000s. Reupholstered in orange/grey nubby wool boucle. Removable armrests and backrest. Made in USA.Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBouclé
- Set of Two ( 2 ) Triangular Low Profile Chairs in Walnut by John Keal for BrownBy John KealLocated in Deland, FLThis is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs feature their original hardware and can be hinged together for tandem seating ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
- John Keal for Brown Saltman Mcm Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of 6By John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Countryside, ILJohn Keal for brown saltman mid century Bleached Mahogany dining chairs - set of 6. Each armless chair measures: 20.5 wide x 24 deep x 30 h...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Mahogany
- Milo Baughman Dining Chairs for Pacific IronBy Milo BaughmanLocated in San Francisco, CAA group of six dining chairs by Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron made in 1950. Two arm and four side chairs with black iron frame and restored using...Category
Vintage 1950s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Pacific Iron Side ChairBy Pacific IronLocated in Los Angeles, CAPacific iron 1940s side chair.Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsBronze
- Restored Wrought Iron Chair and Ottoman by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron, USABy Dan JohnsonLocated in Deland, FLClassic design meets modern materials. This ultra-rare chair and ottoman set, designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron between the late 40's and early 50's, has recently ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Milo Baughman for Pacific Iron Lounge Chair, 1950By Milo Baughman, Pacific IronLocated in Chicago, ILMilo Baughman for Pacific Iron Lounge Chair, 1950. Chair has been completely restored and reupholstered in an oatmeal color nubby boucle.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsIron