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.
Price Upon Request
Dan Johnson for Hayden Hall Solid Maple Desk, 1947
By Dan Johnson, Hayden Hall 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one of Dan Johnson’s earliest and rarest designs, made for Hayden hall of Alhambra, California. The form is classic California midcentury. Made fro...
Maple
Vintage Edwardian Walnut Writing Desk, Sofa Table, Hall Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Versatile Edwardian style writing that can be used as console table, Sofa table or as a hall table. Simple yet elegant carving on edges. Pull out tray to make create more writing are...
Walnut
Sheraton Style Kidney Shaped Writing Desk by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is a new traditional mahogany library writing desk. Its design was inspired by Sheraton desks from the Regency period and features a kidney shape. The legs are Classic Sheraton ...
Mahogany
$3,295
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 24 in
MCM Maple Student Desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon by Paul McCobb
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage MCM (Mid-Century Modern) maple student desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon designed by Paul McCobb. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research ...
Brass
Michael Graves Unique Burl Maple Pedestal Vitrine Desk, 1990c.
By Michael Graves (b.1934)
Located in Chicago, IL
Michael Graves Unique Burl Maple Pedestal Vitrine Desk, 1990c. One-of-a-kind vitrine desk by architect and designer Michael Graves. The piece features a rectangular burl maple veneer...
Steel
Custom Mahogany Regency Style Writing Desk by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is made-to-order traditional mahogany writing desk made in the Leighton Hall shop. It features a cathedral mahogany top with a satinwood inlay, inlaid and tapered legs, dovetail...
Mahogany
$2,896
H 39.6 in W 30.5 in D 19 in
1940s Johnson Furniture Co Chippendale Mahogany Oxbow Slant Front Desk
By Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare 1940s Johnson Furniture Co Chippendale Mahogany Oxbow Slant Front Desk with 3 drawers with dovetail construction, all very well functioning. Recently refinished and in great ...
Brass
Charcoal Maple Executive Desk with Modern Design and Square Legs
Located in Astoria, NY
Charcoal Maple Executive Desk, raised on two square legs, one drawer with clear finish to inside. 30.25" H x 78.25" W x 40.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Maple
Paul McCobb Refinished Blond Maple Student Desk (model 1560)
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century blond maple student desk with a rectangular desktop supported on the left by two drawers with circular knob pulls resting on two short...
Wood, Maple
1950s Johnson Carper Curved Walnut Desk Dresser Shelving Unit
By Kipp Stewart, Johnson Carper, Stewart MacDougall, Paul McCobb
Located in Bensalem, PA
This is a six piece set.Please look at pictures and videofor overall condition detail, and some measurements solid brass pulls. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Brass
Johnson Furniture Company Chippendale Mahogany Writing Desk
By Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Louisville, KY
This a gem is a perfect smaller writing desk that lends itself to so many room layouts. As opposed to many larger desks that require ample space, this desk is far more versatile than...
Brass
Deco Birch Desk by Saarinen for Johnson, 1940's
By Eliel Saarinen, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Eliel Saarinen for Johnson desk circa 1948. This rare example executed in birch has three drawers, sculptural s shaped legs and formed aluminum pulls. It has been masterfully restore...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Maple Planner Group Desk #1560
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic example of American mid-century design, this maple student desk was designed by Paul McCobb as part of his celebrated Planner Group collection for Winchendon Furniture. Int...
Maple