Vintage Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench, Coffee Table by John Keal
About the Item
- Creator:John Keal (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)Width: 55.5 in (140.97 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Mid Century Walnut and Smoked Glass Coffee Table - Style of John KealBy John KealLocated in Los Angeles, CASleek walnut with smoked glass mid century modern coffee table in the style of John Keal for Brown Saltman. *We have a pair of matching end tables...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsSmoked Glass, Walnut
- Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Table Designed by John KealBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated 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
- Large Hand-Made Solid Live Edge BenchLocated in Los Angeles, CASolid hand made live edge bench from North Carolina Artisan. Modern curved lines with natural aged and unique solid wood. Could also be used as a coffee table.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Benches
MaterialsWood
- Antique Cast Stone Bench on PedestalsLocated in Los Angeles, CACast stone garden bench. Slight curve seat sits on two pedestals with carvings. Beautiful aged patina adding elegance to any garden space or e...Category
20th Century French French Provincial Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsCast Stone
- Primitive American Hand Made Wood Carved BenchLocated in Los Angeles, CARustic modern primitive bench. Hand carved weathered patina that has withstood the test of time. Shows lots of gouges, and markings. (See pics) Sturdy unique bench with tons of ch...Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Primitive Benches
MaterialsWood
- Organic Modern Hand Carved Woven Wood w/Stainless Steel Base BenchLocated in Los Angeles, CAHand crafted carved wood low profile bench with solid steel base. Modern/contemporary style. One large log carved with a unique weave pattern.Category
2010s American Modern Benches
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John KealBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Miami, FLMidcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- Vintage Modern Slat Bench Coffee TableLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis vintage slat coffee table features Mid-Century construction with tapered legs, walnut finish, and sturdy construction. Perfect piece for...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- 60" Slatted Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Mel SmilowBy Mel SmilowLocated in New York, NYOriginally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the 60" slatted bench or coffee table is a prime example of handcrafted woo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- 44" Slatted Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Mel SmilowBy Mel SmilowLocated in New York, NYOriginally designed by Mel Smilow in 1956 and officially reintroduced by his daughter Judy Smilow in 2016, the 44" slatted bench is a prime example of handcrafted wooden furniture. T...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- Danish Modern Solid Teak Slat Bench / Coffee Table by Lysgaard MoblerBy Lysgaard MoblerLocated in San Diego, CAGorgeous Danish modern solid teak slat bench / coffee table by Lysgaard Mobler, circa 1960s. The bench is in very good vintage condition and measures 49.75"W x 16.15"D x 16.25"H. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
MaterialsTeak
- Henredon Solid Walnut Bench Coffee TableBy Heritage-Henredon, Edward WormleyLocated in Rockaway, NJMid-Century Modern stunning solid walnut grain long bench coffee table with rolled edges and one drawer similar to Edward Wormley for Dunbar bench.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut