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.
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
$2,300 / set
H 36 in W 16.5 in D 18 in
Set of Four 1950s Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Dining Chairs
By Salterini
Located in Stamford, CT
This set of Mid-Century Modern wrought iron dining chairs has the look and high quality construction of Salterini but are made by the Woodard group. Woodard was a high end company in...
Wrought Iron
$1,449 / set
H 31.5 in W 17.72 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Dining Chairs Designed by Oswald Haerdtl, 1950s
By Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of beechwood, fabric - A year ago reupholstered - Manufacturer: Ton Bystrice pod Hostýnem - Good condition.
Fabric, Beech
Set of 4 Fine 1950s Dining Chairs
By Ateliers Saint Sabin
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of four fine French mid-century "compass / gondola" solid beech side chairs.
Faux Leather, Beech
$7,219
H 35.04 in W 17.72 in D 16.15 in
c.1950s Guillerme et Chambron Set of Four Dining Chairs upholstered in Tibor
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in London, GB
This set of four dining chairs, designed by Guillerme et Chambron in the 1950s, is crafted in oak and upholstered in Tibor’s California Tapestry 10 fabric. The chairs feature high ba...
Upholstery, Oak
$1,195 / set
H 31.89 in W 17.33 in D 19.69 in
1950s Set of Four Restored Dining Chairs in Walnut, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered - carefully refurbished - beech skelet with walnut veneer
Fabric, Wood, Beech, Walnut
1950s Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Westbergs Möbler
Located in New York, NY
1950s Set of 4 dining chairs by Westbergs Möbler, Sweden. Beautiful curved and elegant design with a contrast black linen upholstery. The wooden frame...
Linen, Beech
$966 / set
H 31.5 in W 14.97 in D 18.12 in
Set of Four Original Mid-Century Dining Chairs, Beech, Czech, 1950s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant set of four Mid-Century chairs comes from Czechoslovakia from the mid-20th century. The chairs are made of beech wood and lacquered beech plywood. They have been preserv...
Beech, Oak, Lacquer
$1,159 / set
H 33.86 in W 17.33 in D 17.72 in
Set of Four Dining Chairs, Ton, Designed by Oswald Haerdtl, 1950s, Expo 58
By Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of beechwood, fabric - Manufacturer: Ton Bystrice pod Hostýnem - Good, original condition.
Fabric, Wood
1950s Set of Four Restored Dining Chairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered - carefully refurbished - stained beech wood frame
Wood, Beech
$5,850 / set
H 38.75 in W 20 in D 18 in
Italian Caned Dining Chairs by Melchiorre Bega Set of Four 1950s Refinished Reup
By Melchiorre Bega
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian Mid Century Caned Dining Chairs, designed by Melchiorre Bega, Italy, circa 1950s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered. The price noted below include...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Walnut
$2,777 / set
H 32.68 in W 16.15 in D 20.08 in
Set of Four Resored Bauhaus Dining Chairs, by Kovona, Chrome, Czech, 1950s
By Kovona
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This elegant set of four Bauhaus style chairs comes from Czechoslovakia from the mid-20th century. The chairs feature a tubular chrome steel frame and artificial leather upholstery. ...
Chrome, Steel
1950s Set of Four Dining Chairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - Newly upholstered - Made of Beech wood
Wood, 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
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
Dan Johnson 'Viscount' Chair for Selig in Teak and Brass
By Selig, Dan Johnson
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
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Chairs in Leather
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A gorgeous set of dining chairs, designed by Dan Johnson for Selig. Curvilinear form, with sweeping arms made of solid brass. Elegant tapered leg...
Brass
Sold
H 28 in W 23 in L 28 in
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Midcentury Walnut and Brass Dining Chairs, Pair
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount midcentury walnut and brass dining chairs - pair. Each chair measures 23 wide x 21 deep x 28 inches high. All ...
Brass
Sold
H 27.75 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
Pair of Viscount Chairs by Dan Johnson, White / Ivory with Brass Arms, Original
By Dan Johnson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Dan Johnson viscount armchairs, 1950s, Denmark. Completely original. Off-white leather like upholstery with solid brass arms (not...
Brass
Set of 4 Rare Dan Johnson Dining Chairs for Hayden Hall Furniture
By Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stylish set of four modern dining chairs designed by Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall Furniture in the United States, circa 1940s. This rare and sleek dining ...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Dan Johnson Patinated Bronze and Cane "Gazelle' Chairs, USA 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in New York, NY
A remarkably distinctive and rare design. The Gazelle chair is both beautifully sculptural and comfortable.
Bronze
Dan Johnson Viscount Chairs
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dan Johnson Viscount chairs A set of 6 iconic "Viscount" chairs designed by Dan Johnson. Recently restored in a luxurious apple green Sandr...
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 18.5 in D 18 in
Dan Johnson Four Dining Chairs in Walnut and Aluminum for Shelby Williams
By Shelby Williams, Dan Johnson
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Modern and elegant set of four dining chairs designed in the 1960s by Dan Johnson for Shelby Williams. Manufactured in turned walnut and cast aluminum the chairs offer a very sophist...
Aluminum
Set of Six Rare Dan Johnson Dining Chairs for Hayden Hall Furniture
By Hayden Hall 1, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare set of 6 dining chairs designed by Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall Furniture in the 1940’s. With its sculptural walnut-stained mahogany frame and new whit...
Mahogany, Walnut