While most postwar furniture designers were looking to the future, Dan Johnson found inspiration in the past. The mid-century modern maverick is remembered for his beautiful armchairs, lounge chairs and dining tables with designs that are reminiscent of ancient Rome.
The American furniture designer began his career in the late 1940s by creating solid wood pieces like desks and dining chairs for California furniture manufacturer Hayden Hall. By the early 1950s, he was designing chairs and tables for American furniture importer and producer Selig. In 1955, Johnson moved to Rome on an apartment design commission. While there, he launched Dan Johnson Studio with the goal of bringing a modern approach to the Roman furniture of antiquity.
The pieces from this era of Johnson’s career are characterized by their sculptural metal designs. His most famous work was the elegant Gazelle line, sold in America by Selig. It features dining tables, coffee tables and multiple chair designs that involve a green “Pompeian Verde” patina, metal framing and traditional caning techniques. Due to a high manufacturing cost, the production line was limited and is highly exclusive today.
Another popular design by Johnson for Selig in the 1950s was the Viscount chair. More typical of the mid-century style, it was made with a wood frame, polished brass accents and orange leather upholstery. In the 1960s, Johnson designed a similar aluminum chair for American furniture manufacturer and distributor Shelby Williams, this one with blue upholstery.
Johnson died in 1978. The Gazelle armchair is in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum and Denver Art Museum, and a prototype of the Gazelle lounge chair is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Interior designers regularly use Johnson’s furniture for upscale outdoor spaces in California and New York.
On 1stDibs, find Dan Johnson seating, tables, desks and more.
| Average Sold Price |
| $1,710 |
| Styles |
| Materials |
| Related Creators |
$2,199 / item
H 28 in W 22 in D 20 in
Set 6 Dan Johnson Viscount Chairs / Black Lacquer and Brass / Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Buffalo, NY
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. reupholstered (10-12 year...
Brass
Dan Johnson Iron Lounge Chair with Bent Walnut Plywood Armrest
By Dan Johnson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production lounge chair by Dan Johnson 1960s. The lounge chair is constructed of iron with sculpted walnut armrest and upholstered in a new Perennial fabric.
Iron
Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Chaise Lounge
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have 4 of these beautiful Sol Y Luna Chaise lounge chairs by Brown Jordan. These were originally designed by Dan Johnson as the Gazelle chair. We have had them professionally san...
Aluminum
$8,000 / set
H 31 in W 18 in D 20 in
Set of Four Dining Chairs in Chenille and Bronze by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Shelby Williams
Located in Westport, CT
A rare set of four Crucible Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams, circa 1950s. Fully restored by Stamford Modern, the walnut frames are refinished in a rich dark walnut, ...
Bronze
$24,000 / set
H 32 in W 18 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Gazelle Armchairs by Dan Johnson in Aluminum and Cane
By Dan Johnson
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of Gazelle Armchairs, created by American designer Dan Johnson (1918-1979). According to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art: "Dan Johnson was a mid-twentieth centur...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Dan Johnson
Located in Raleigh, NC
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. Newly reupholstered in cognac leather while retaining the original espresso-finished wooden frame. The espresso finish shows authentic patina and wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age. Warm cognac leather contrasts with the aged brass arms and dark wood frame, creating a layered palette of browns and metallic tones. The Viscount chair...
Brass
$2,895
H 28 in W 22 in D 20 in
Dan Johnson “Viscount” Cognac Leather and Brass Accent Armchair for Selig
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Modern “Viscount” armchair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig in Denmark circa 1950’s. This elegant design features a newly refinished wa...
Brass
$6,500
H 25 in W 26 in D 26 in
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair By Dan Johnson For Pacific Iron
By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elevate your decor with this rare, mid-century modern, lounge slipper chair by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron. This chair features a sleek, minimal, wrought iron frame finished with ba...
Metal
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||
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| $1,710 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $1,440-$1,980 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
