If it weren’t for his honeymoon, American furniture designer Don S. Shoemaker might not have played any role in Mexican modernism of the mid-20th century.
Born in Nebraska in 1919, Shoemaker studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago during the 1930s. In the 1940s he got married, and he and his wife, Barbara, ventured to Mexico for their honeymoon. Enamored with the country, Shoemaker decided that Mexico should become the newlyweds' permanent home. They settled in a town called Santa Maria de Guido in Michoacán, where Shoemaker spent his days painting and growing rare plants.
Through horticulture, Shoemaker became inspired by Mexico’s tropical woods, such as cocobolo, a Mexican rosewood, and he decided to delve into furniture design. In the late 1950s, he started a small factory, producing hand-carved desks, armchairs, dining room tables, decorative boxes and bowls, and serveware. The popularity of Shoemaker’s furnishings grew throughout Mexico, and his small factory became the Señal S.A. company, employing more than 100 skilled artisans and carpenters.
Shoemaker’s handcrafted designs were essentially a mid-century modern interpretation of traditional Mexican household furnishings, and like Clara Porset — an unsung Cuban-born activist, writer and designer who drew on Mexican craft traditions in her concepts for furniture — he found inspiration in his adopted country. These influences can be seen in iconic Shoemaker originals like the Sling collection of seating, the Suspension stool and several of his table designs.
Shoemaker's furniture was exhibited in showrooms in several major Mexican cities and across the U.S., including Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. (And mid-century modernist ideas that traveled between Mexico and California didn’t make one-way trips — they bounced back and forth.)
After Shoemaker died in 1990, his son George took over Señal S.A. The company closed after George’s death in the early 2000s.
Shoemaker’s Mexican modern furnishings continue to be coveted by avid furniture collectors around the world. From 2016 to 2017, the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City dedicated a retrospective exhibition to honoring his work.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Don S. Shoemaker desks, seating, decorative objects and serveware.
$637Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Don Shoemaker Señal Service Tray Exotic Wood
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern Don S Shoemaker Señal service tray exotic woods. Mexico circa the 1980s. Geometric parquetry. Stamp present. Dimensions: 1.25" D x 15" L...
Wood
Don Shoemaker Small Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwood...
Hardwood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Rectangular Cocobolo Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Narrow tray by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, c.1960s. The tray has a Cocobolo frame with integrated handles and features an inlaid striped pattern of rosewood. Retains original ma...
Hardwood, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving tray by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the tray surface is inlaid with precious wood veneer ...
Hardwood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Geometric Marquetry Tray with Stand
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving tray and stand by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the tray surface has a repeating geometric ...
Rosewood
$486Sale Price|30% Off
Mexican Modern Wood Tray By Don S. Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Houston, TX
Mexican Modern Wood Tray By Don S. Shoemaker. Offered is a beautiful Mexican modern tray with handles by Don Shoemaker. Made for Señal S.A. from Cocobolo Wood which is a Mexican rose...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Don Shoemaker Service Tray Tapered Exotic Wood
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a service tray By Designer Don Shoemaker produced by Senal in Mexico 1970s. Marvelous mid-century service tray medley of exotic woods. Cut out handle for easy...
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Chevron Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating chevron marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwoods....
Rosewood, Hardwood
Don Shoemaker Large Serving Tray /Cutting Board Made with Different Woods
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, MX
This is a Mexican wood tray, cutting board or serving platter made in 1960s in Michoacan, Mexico by Don Shoemaker. It is in excelllent condition and...
Hardwood
Don Shoemaker Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwo...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Small Chevron Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating chevron marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwoods....
Hardwood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwo...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Wood Inlaid Chevron Pattern Cutting Board for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cutting board by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the board has a repeating chevron marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwoods that ca...
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Trays Mondrian Style Set of 5
Located in Paris, FR
Mondrian style set of 5 trays with structure and frame in solid wenge, each tray is covered with natural genuine leather, 2 trays in red, 1 tray in b...
Leather, Wenge
$325
H 0.92 in W 18.75 in D 3.4 in
Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand carved rectangular wood tray features Modernist shape and graphic wood grain patterns with the natural tonal range. The handle is wrapped with reed or cane. Minimal shap...
Reed, Wood
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
$1,500
H 0.79 in W 14.18 in D 17.33 in
Don Shoemaker Large Serving Tray /Cutting Board Made with Different Woods
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, MX
This is a Mexican wood tray, cutting board or serving platter made in 1960s in Michoacan, Mexico by Don Shoemaker. It is in excelllent condition and...
Hardwood
Japanese Teak Wood Tray Modern Minimalist
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Japanese teak serving tray, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Japan. Tray is a warm brown teak, strategically arched design around, sleek 'h...
Teak, Wood
"For Rachel" Tray
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
'For Rachel' tray in cream Hand-sculpted ceramic tray with hand made rectangle shaped elements. This large sized tray is finished with a bespoke cream glaze that reveals the natural...
Ceramic
Art Deco Wooden Tray with Geometric Marquetry – France, 1940s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Art Deco Wooden Tray with Geometric Marquetry – France, 1940s Description: This is an elegant Art Deco tray, crafted in wood marquetry, dating from the 1930s. The surface is decorat...
Wood
Don Shoemaker Serving Tray
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at The Fine Arts Institution of Chicago. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mexico with his family and settled in Santa Maria de Guido...
Wood
$1,170
H 1.19 in W 21.66 in D 17.33 in
Dior Rectangular Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century serving tray fully made in a vibrant tortoiseshell effect lucite with a polished solid brass frame. This incredibly stylish piece was designed by Dior Home and ...
Brass
Exotic wood stepped trivet or serving tray with carved Tiki finial
By Tiki
Located in Ferndale, MI
Three tier serving tray with carved exotic wood Tiki finial handle . Tiers taper largest on bottom getting progressively smaller . Center shaf...
Brass
$532
H 1.58 in W 18.51 in D 12.6 in
950s French Wooden Marquetry Tray – Traditional Craftwork with Winter Scene
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1950s French Wooden Marquetry Tray – Provincial Scene with Winter Landscape Description: This traditional wooden tray was crafted in France in the 1950s using fine wood marquetry. T...
Wood
$1,000 / item
H 1.75 in W 8.25 in D 21.75 in
1970s Don Shoemaker Service Tray Exotic Wood Señal Mexico
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Designed by Don Shoemaker produced by Señal Mexico Midcentury single Service Tray wall decor in exotic woods Cut out handle for easy carry. 21.75 long 8.25 w x 1.75 h More tray...
Wood
Don S. Shoemaker Mexican MCM Parquetry Hardwood Rectangular Tray
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, MX
A classic 1970's Mexican hardwood parquetry serving tray by American designer Don S. Shoemaker. The rectangular tray's parquetry is composed by a trompe l'œil design of cubes and two...
Hardwood
Don Shoemaker Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving tray by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the tray surface is inlaid with precious wood veneer ...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric linear marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Tray for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cocobolo tray by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, c.1960s. The tray has a Cocobolo frame with integrated handles and features an inlaid striped pattern of rosewood. Retains original ...
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Geometric Marquetry Tray with Stand
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving tray and stand by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the tray surface is inlaid with precious wo...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Diamond Geometric Marquetry Tray
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving tray by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the tray surfa...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwo...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Geometric Marquetry Decorative Tray
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a repeating geometric marquetry pattern in a gradient of local Mexican hardwo...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Large Decorative Tray with Chevron Stripe
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray with integrated handles by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a pixelated chevron-patterned parquet detail in exoti...
Wood, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Mixed Exotic Woods XL Tray
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Springfield, OR
Don Shoemaker was an American ex-pat who moved to Mexico and started a huge furniture manufacturing facility that is still running to this day. This a more obscure large version ...
Wood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Narrow Decorative Tray
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A narrow serving tray by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the t...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Exotic Wood Tray
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Eye-catching 1960s geometric design of tropical hardwoods designed by Don S. Shoemaker and made in Mexico by his company Senal, S.A. Practical and beautiful, this mid-century modern ...
Hardwood