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.
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
Dan Johnson “Viscount” Cognac Leather and Brass Accent Armchair for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
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
American Designer, Lounge Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and off white fabric lounge chair, designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16" Arm Height (inches): 21.38" All items ship from High P...
Iron
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
Dan Johnson, Lounge Chair, Cowhide, Iron, Wood, USA, 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in High Point, NC
A green-dyed cowhide, black-lacquered iron and wood lounge chair designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Selig, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to wood arms and metal frame consistent with age ...
Iron
Dan Johnson Walnut and Brass Viscount Chair by Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Wilton, CT
This Dan Johnson Viscount chair is in its original condition. It has a lovely patina and has kept its structural integrity due to its fine ...
Brass
Set of Four Dining Chairs in Chenille and Bronze by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s
By Shelby Williams, Dan Johnson
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
Restored Wrought Iron Chair and Ottoman by Dan Johnson for Pacific Iron, USA
By Dan Johnson
Located in Deland, FL
Classic 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 ...
Wrought Iron
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
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of deep red leather 'Viscount' chairs by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This stunning armchair is a rare example of Dan Johnson’s Viscount design for Selig, featuring a sleek brass frame and a rich cognac leather upholstery. The chair has a distinctive m...
Brass
$4,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gazelle 10B chairs in all cast aluminium by Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
The Gazelle chair was designed by Dan Johnson in 1958 as part of a series of chairs that Johnson developed during and after completing a commission to design an apartment in Rome. Jo...
Aluminum
Completely Restored Dan Johnson for Viscount Mid-Century Brass Armchair 1950s
By Kodawood, Dan Johnson
Located in St. Louis, MO
Dan Johnson "Viscount" for Kodawood, distributed by Selig, armchair or desk chair, circa 1950s. Refinished in dark ebony stain with new foam, orange leather and polished brass. Arm h...
Brass
1950s Black Lacquer Viscount Armchair by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in San Francisco, CA
An iconic Viscount armchair, designed by Dan Johnson for Selig. The frame has been carefully restored and finished in an elegant black lacquer. The brass armrests feature a rich, nat...
Brass
American Designer, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Pacific Iron, Dan Johnson
Located in High Point, NC
A bouclé and iron slipper chair designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 16.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Iron
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Dan Johnson, Ib Kofod-Larsen
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
Dan Johnson, Slipper Chair, Iron, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Pacific Iron
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and off white fabric slipper or lounge chair, designed by Dan Johnson and produced by Pacific Iron, USA, 1950s. 15” seat height
Iron
Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams Aluminum Armchair - rare variation
By Dan Johnson, Shelby Williams
Located in Chicago, IL
Cast aluminum chair designed by Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams. Manufactured by Crucible Products. This appears to be a early variation where no wood arms were ever attached. As T...
Aluminum
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair This chair measures: 22.75 wide x 21 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance 26.2...
Brass
1 Vintage Walnut Johnson Furniture Dining Chair
By Johnson Chair Company
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage dining chairs by Johnson Chair Co Chicago reminiscent of Jens Risom design with solid walnut wood frame construction. Johnson Chair Co is the...
PVC, Walnut
$2,600
H 31.5 in W 27.5 in D 27 in
Wrought Iron Jerry Johnson Leather Sling Lounge Chair (3) Leathercraft 1954
By Jerry Johnson
Located in Camden, ME
Wrought iron and leather sling lounge chairs designed by Jerry Johnson for Leathercraft, circa 1954. Three available, two as pictured the 3rd can be custom fitted to your choice of c...
Wrought Iron
1940s Danish Lounge Chairs with Maple Frame and Armrests
By Hjalmar Jackson, Carl Malmsten
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Danish lounge chair made in the tradition of Scandinavian makers such as Hjalmar Jackson and Carl Malmsten with a wooden base and armrests made from Maple adding a lot of e...
Wool, Maple
George Mulhauser Bent Plywood Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1960's molded plywood lounge chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser. The chair features stylish wing-like arms, tufted cream uber soft colored vinyl, and a swivel base. The chair wa...
Chrome
$5,801 / set
H 33.47 in W 26.78 in D 32.29 in
Pair of 1950s Italian Lounge Chairs by Gigi Radice, Rubelli Fabric
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian lounge chairs designed by Gigi Radice and produced by Minotti, evocative of the celebrated Lady model. These armchairs embody the elegance and d...
Brass
Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Safari lounge chair, leather, stained beech, metal, Europe, 1970s Stunning safari lounge chair covered in original upholstery made of natural cognac brown leather. The chair shows v...
Metal
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26.25 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair of deep red leather 'Viscount' chairs by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This stunning armchair is a rare example of Dan Johnson’s Viscount design for Selig, featuring a sleek brass frame and a rich cognac leather upholstery. The chair has a distinctive m...
Brass
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid-Century Walnut Peacock Chair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig mid-century walnut peacock chair. This chair measures: 33.5 wide x 28 deep x 32 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 16 inches All pieces o...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,677 / item
H 25.2 in W 29.14 in D 29.53 in
Cowrie, Ebonised Ash Veneered Bent Plywood Lounge Chair by Made in Ratio
By Brodie Neill, Made in Ratio
Located in London, GB
The contemporary Cowrie chair is a rock solid easy chair inspired by the concave lines of sea shells. The curvilinear forms are the result of an extensive...
Ash, Walnut
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.58 in W 30 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...
Walnut
$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
$8,200 / set
H 33.25 in W 31.75 in D 31 in
Ilmari Lappalainen, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Green Fabric, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko
Located in Manhasset, NY
Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko, Finnish Mid-Century Modern, "Laila" Lounge Chairs, Beech, Green Fabric, Finland, 1950s Pair of 'Laila' lounge chairs designed by Ilmari Lappalainen (Finlan...
Fabric, Beech
Dan Johnson "Viscount" Armchair for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Armchair by Dan Johnson for Selig, c.1950s, USA. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with a cream colored Loro Piana cotton fabric. The armrests feature a sleek brass rod that wraps around the back of each seat cushion. The frame is a stained birch featuring an "x" seat base and tapered dowel legs. Two available. Priced individually. Dimensions 22.25" width x 20.5" depth x 28" height; 17.75" seat height, 26.5" arm height. Condition Good restored condition, professionally refinished with new Loro Piana upholstery.
Brass
Sold
H 32.75 in W 18.5 in D 21.5 in
1960s Gazelle Sol y Luna Patio Chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of patio chairs designed by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan. USA circa the 1960s. Model Sol y Luna Dining Chairs. Made of Aluminum. Set of two (2) Gazelle ...
Aluminum
Set of Ten Mid-Century Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, c. 1950's
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten Mid-century Viscount chairs with brass, light brown leather and rich walnut wood by Dan Johnson. Made in Denmark, c. 1950's. Dimensions: 29"H x 20.5"W x 20"D
Brass
Pair of Brass "Cane" Slipper Chairs by Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Toronto, CA
Slipper chairs, with their stripped-down forms, are an ideal way to add extra seating without encumbering a space. This brass pair by furniture designer Dan Johnson (1918 – 1979) hav...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 24 in D 32 in
1950s Dan Johnson Beige Fabric Wrought Iron Frame Slipper Chair for Pacific Iron
By Dan Johnson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Dan Johnson armless slipper chair for Pacific Iron. This lovely 1950s accent lounge chair features a beige fabric wool blend upholstery, and a wrought iron frame. This piece has a ...
Wrought Iron
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Chairs in Leather Set of 4
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a gorgeous set of 4 dining chairs which were designed by Dan Johnson for Selig. Dramatic and curvilinear form, these chairs have the sweeping arms made of solid brass. Elegan...
Brass
Set of Oak, Mohair and Bronze Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson, C. 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in Westport, CT
Immerse yourself in mid-century modern elegance with this exquisite pair of lounge chairs by renowned designer Dan Johnson, crafted circa 1950-1959. These chairs boast a sturdy oak f...
Bronze
Set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna Gazelle Chairs
By Dan Johnson, Brown Jordan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely set of 4 Brown Jordan Sol Y Luna chairs. These Gazelle chairs originally designed by dan Johnson in bronze are simply elegant. The reissue by Brown Jordan are in aluminum. ...
Metal
Dan Johnson"Viscount" Chair
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Highland, IN
Often incorrectly attributed to Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, these elegant chairs are an early design by American architect Dan Johnson. They were produced and distributed by Sel...
Brass
California Modern Lounge Chair by Dan Johnson for Selig
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair designed by California-based designer Dan Johnson and produced in the mid-1950s by Selig. The lightweight wire frame has a square seat- and back cushion and angled legs....
Metal
Set of Ten Mid-Century Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, c. 1950's
By Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten Mid-century Viscount chairs with brass, light brown leather and rich walnut wood by Dan Johnson. Made in Denmark, c. 1950's. Dimensions: 29"H x 20.5"W x 20"D
Brass
Dan Johnson 'Viscount' Chair for Selig in Teak and Brass
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in Littleton, CO
An original 1950s Danish "Viscount" chair by Dan Johnson for Selig. Very solidly built and relatively heavy (not the lightweight Kodawood version produced later). Original black vin...
Brass