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.
Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Chaise Lounge
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
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
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Armless Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA H 33.5” x W 20.5” x D 21.5” / Seat Ht 17.25” FDV109...
Aluminum
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Dining Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA H 33.5” x W 20.5” x D 21.5” / Seat Ht 17.25” Arm Ht ...
Aluminum
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Side Table by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aluminum "Sol y Luna" Side Table by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan, Midcentury, USA W 24” x D 14.75” x H 13.5” FDV10938 *Wear consistent ...
Aluminum
Black Aluminum and White Vinyl Patio Set by Brown Jordan
By Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s iconic “Kantan” Patio set design by Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan. The set has be newly professionally restored. Constructed of black powder coated aluminum and white vinyl s...
Aluminum
$2,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 18.5 in D 21 in
Set of Four Brown Jordan Neoclassical Style Garden Dining Chairs
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Neoclassical style set of four patio and garden dining chairs made by Brown Jordan. Heavy and solid cast aluminum construction with a lattice design influenced by Mario Papperzini fo...
Aluminum
Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan Venetian Garden Dining Suite
By Richard Frinier, Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing patio and garden dining suite consisting of four dining armchairs and one stone top round dining table designed by Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan...
Granite, Aluminum
Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan Florentine Garden Dining Suite
By Brown Jordan
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional wrought aluminum patio and garden outdoor furniture dining suite designed by Richard Frinier for Brown Jordan. From the Fl...
Aluminum
Vintage Brown Jordan "Tamiami" Settee
By Brown Jordan
Located in Denton, TX
Hard to find "Tamiami" loveseat made by Brown Jordan with new citrus orange powder-coating and white vinyl strapping.
Aluminum
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Square Side Table
By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A side table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The table has a square shape with rounded corners, supported by four legs in matching bronze. T...
Bronze
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze Patio Occasional Table
By Walter Lamb, Brown Jordan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A patio side table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and a circu...
Bronze
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 22 in D 70 in
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Bronze 'Waikiki' Rocking Chaise Lounge, circa 1960s
By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural bronze 'Waikiki' rocking chaise lounge by Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan. These collectible examples of functional art features curvy tubular bronze frames and rewoven with ...
Bronze
Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan Round Bronze Patio Coffee Table
By Brown Jordan, Walter Lamb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patio coffee table in patinated bronze designed by Walter Lamb and produced by Brown Jordan. The frame is described by two concentric rings of bronze with radial supports and a circu...
Bronze
Pr. Vintage Brown Jordan Lounge Chairs c 1970/1980's
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Pair of stylish lounge chairs by top quality maker, Brown Jordan. This pair of chic vintage lounge chairs are in very good, clean, ready to use condition, showing only light cosmeti...
Aluminum
$5,000 / set
H 30.25 in W 21.63 in D 24.63 in
Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan Kantan Patio Table and four Chairs
By Brown Jordan, Tadao Inouye
Located in Denton, TX
Vintage set of four of Tadao Inouye for Brown Jordan Kantan dining chairs with round dining table Fully restored with new black powder coat on the frame ...
Metal
$500 / set
H 31 in W 24 in D 24 in
Pr. Vintage Brown Jordan Tamiami Lounge Chairs Designed by Hal Brady c. 1960's
By Brown Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Pr. high style vintage Brown Jordan lounge chairs, from the classic Tamiami series, designed by Hal Brady, c. 1960's. Both chairs are structurally sound and sturdy, one chair shows a...
Aluminum
8 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Armchairs
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
8 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna armchairs after a Gazelle design by Dan Johnson. The chairs are aluminum and likely from the early 2000’s. They are weathered and there is wear to the finis...
Aluminum
1960s Brown Jordan Sol y Luna Gazelle Garden Patio Table
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Garden Patio Table by Brown Jordan. Model Sol y Luna Gazelle . Designed by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan in 1954 Made of aluminum. Patinated. 28.5 h x 28 di...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Dan Johnson designed set for Brown Jordan. The original glass has been replaced with a beautiful piece of travertine. The chairs measure approximately 20 inches wide, 21 inches dee...
Stone, Metal
Dan Johnson 'Sol Y Luna' Ottoman
By Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Brown Jordan, this ottoman is cast in aluminum with a “woven" lattice cushion, and deeply tapered legs. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. ...
Aluminum