John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk
About the Item
- Creator:John Keal (Designer),Brown Saltman (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 54 in (137.16 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1953
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Culver City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6895228847822
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.
Brown Saltman
The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.
Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions.
He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.
In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract.
Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.
Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Culver City, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Pair of Rare John Widdicomb Console TablesBy John WiddicombLocated in Culver City, CAA striking pair of consoles. The chic modern and colorful look and feel of these console is unique. These incredible rare works of art come always as single pieces; the fact they ar...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Large 19th-Century Mediterranean Olive Oil Jar Made in Terracotta & Indigo GlazeLocated in Culver City, CAA large pair of antique Mediterranean terracotta jars. Originally used for olive oil and/or wine. Deep blue glaze and terracotta patina. Will complement b...Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Greek Revival Jars
MaterialsTerracotta
- Beautiful Bisto Style table with antique industrial cast iron pedestalLocated in Culver City, CAThis beautiful bistro style dinning table is unique as I combined an old industrial pedestal with a high quality wooden table top. the light blue paint patina on this industrial baaa...Category
Antique 1830s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsIron
- Signed Original Curtis Jere Skyscraper / Chrome Clover Leaf Floor LampBy Curtis JeréLocated in Culver City, CAClean and dramatic architectural floor lamp comprised of multiple segments of mirror polished stainless steel sheet that have been cut and formed with precision into geometric building blocks that fit together to form a single tower out of multiple volumes with contrasting light and shadow from three internal Edison screw light...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Gorgeous Midcentury Cabinet with Exquisite Marquetry Attributed to Renzo RutiliBy Renzo Rutili, Johnson Furniture CompanyLocated in Culver City, CAThis incredible midcentury Classic is a true work of art the marquetry is exquisite the Chinese inspired brass lock and details are gorgeous and every aspect of this piece of furnitu...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets
MaterialsBrass
- 1960's Hermes Orange Laminate Parsons Stacking Cube TablesLocated in Culver City, CAIncredible 1960's Hermes Orange Laminate Parsons stackable cube Tables Chic, unique, vibrant and beautifully proportioned. Equally appealing stacked or ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsWood
- John Keal Mid-Century Modern Walnut Expanding Coffee Table by Brown SaltmanBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in St. Louis, MOJohn Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Modern rectangular walnut expanding cocktail table, with vinyl laminate center on block pedestals expands from 66" to 95" long. Top to be refi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Walnut End TablesBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Oakland, CAWalnut side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960, United States. Crafted from solid walnut, these tables feature a hexagonal shape with glass surfaces. Fully re...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsMarble
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut DeskLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has two spacious drawers. This would be...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut DeskLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage modern writing desk featured in rich walnut grain. This desk sits on sleek tapered legs and has three spacious drawers. This would ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Table Designed by John KealBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of Mid-Century Modern Tray side table with hairpin style and a pullout, manufactured by Brown Saltman, and designed By John Keal.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
MaterialsWood
- Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Nesting Tables by John Keal for Brown SaltmanBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in San Jose, CAVintage set of three nesting side tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman in mahogany, circa 1950s. This versatile set features a rounded edge detail that taper into the legs complete ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Ta...
MaterialsMahogany
