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 for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair - Pair
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair - Pair Each chair measures: 22 wide x 20.5 deep x 27.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair ...
Brass
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair This chair measures: 22 wide x 20.5 deep x 27.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair clearan...
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
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
$1,369 / 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
$1,900 / set
H 37.41 in W 17.72 in D 20.87 in
Set of Four 1950s Italian Dark Stained Exotic Wood Dining Chairs
By Carlo Ratti
Located in Rome, IT
This set of four dining chairs was produced in Italy during the 1950s and reflects the clean, sculptural lines typical of Italian mid-century design. The chairs are crafted from dark...
Faux Leather, Wood
$25,000 / 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 centu...
Aluminum
$2,850
H 38 in W 22.5 in D 20 in
Handsome Pair Kipp Stewart for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern
By Kipp Stewart
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Dining chairs in Walnut by Kipp Stewart for Calvin. Very well made, elegant and comfortable. Each chair measures 38" H x 22.5" W x 20" D. Seat height is 19" H.
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,363 / set
H 32.5 in W 17.5 in D 20 in
Set of Four Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Beech, 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
MCM set of four Swedish modern high-back dining chairs in beech. The tall ergonomic backs slightly bow and lend to hours of comfortable dining for those long dinner parties and holid...
Upholstery
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Lounge Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960’s. This distinctive Danish modern design features a solid walnut wood frame with four large slats ac...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$2,600
H 31.5 in W 16.54 in D 17.72 in
Set of Four 1950s Beechwood Dining Chairs with Sage Green Upholstery
Located in Rome, IT
Set of four dining chairs dating from the 1950s, with beechwood frames and seats reupholstered in new sage green fabric. The slender legs have rounded sections, a gentle taper and a...
Fabric, Wood
Lovely Pair of Selig Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Selig
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut lounge chairs by Selig. This pair retain their original pink and red striped nubby fabric in nice usable condition, we do recommend re-uphols...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,027 / set
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Set of Four Jindrich Halabala Dining Chairs, Czechoslovakia, 1950s
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of four original Jindrich Halabala dining chairs, dating from the 1950s and originating from former Czechoslovakia. The chairs are associated with Halabala's H-214 design, produ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$2,650
H 27.75 in W 22.25 in D 20.75 in
Completely Restored Dan Johnson for Viscount Mid-Century Brass Armchair 1950s
By Dan Johnson, Kodawood
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
$1,129 / 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
Highback Lounge Chairs by Dan Johnson in Velvet, C. 1950s
By Dan Johnson
Located in Westport, CT
A striking pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by Dan Johnson in the 1950s, showcasing the clean architectural lines and refined craftsmanship of mid-century American design. The ...
Brass
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Arm Chairs by Dan Johnson, 1950
By Dan Johnson, Selig
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural study in proportion and restraint, this rare set of four "Viscount" arm chairs by Dan Johnson represents one of American mid-century design's most quietly extraordinary ...
Brass
1950s Set of Four Restored Dining Chairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- newly upholstered - carefully refurbished - stained beech wood frame
Wood, Beech
Dan Johnson "Viscount" Armchair for Selig
By Selig, Dan Johnson
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 Brown Jordan, Dan Johnson
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 Dan Johnson, Selig
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
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 Hayden Hall 1, Dan Johnson
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 Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
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
Set of 4 Rare Vintage Dan Johnson Gazelle Cast Metal Dining Chairs
By Dan Johnson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
These amazing chairs (they are works of art) are a set of four gazelle dining chairs, designed by Dan Johnson. They came from a vintage Palm Springs estate and are not the newly made...
Rare Pair of Dan Johnson Gazelle Chairs in Italian Walnut
By Dan Johnson
Located in San Francisco, CA
An extremely rare pair of Gazelle chairs in Italian walnut by Dan Johnson, circa 1950. The chairs feature the original webbed seat left unupholstered ...
Cane, Walnut
Viscount Chair by Dan Johnson
By Dan Johnson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Viscount chair by Dan Johnson, circa late 1950s. This example has a hand rubbed nickel arm and back and newly finished walnut frame. It is upholstered i...