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.
Mexican Modern, Don S Shoemaker, Sling Swinger chair with footstool, 1960's
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Uccle, BE
Iconic Don S. Shoemaker Sling Swinger chair with footrest. Made from cocobolo (Mexican rosewood) and black leather in the 1960s. The biomorphic lines of the exotic rosewood create an...
Leather, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sling Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Denton, TX
The iconic beautiful mexican modern Don Shoemaker "sling" chair. Made for Señal S.A. Made from solid Cocobolo Wood with original black leather. Made in the 1960s
Leather, Cocobolo
Mid-Century Mexican Modern Don Shoemaker Senal SA Sling Swinger Chairs Set of 4
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent set of four rare original Mid-Century Modern Mexican bocote wood and black leather "Swingers" by legendary designer Don S. Shoemaker (1919-1990) This iconic Modernist ...
Leather, Wood
$4,160Sale Price / set|37% Off
Don Shoemaker Sling "Swinger" Chair and Ottoman, Mexico 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Camden, ME
A Classic 20th century chair and ottoman from one of the great craftsman's workshops of Mexico: Senal, S.A., Don Shoemaker's tropical paradise in Michoacan, Mexico. This iconic chai...
Leather, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sling "Swinger" Chair and Ottoman for Señal, S.A, 1960
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One set of Swinger chair and ottoman from Don Shoemaker for the iconic Señal, S.A workshop of Mexico. This chair has been refinished and are in excellent condition. The chairs retain...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sloucher Rosewood & Leather Sling Chairs for Señal, S.A., 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
For your consideration, a pair of 1960s Don Shoemaker Sloucher lounge chairs, in solid cocobolo rosewood and black leather. Iconic example of Organi...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Chairs Señal, Sculptural and Organic, Mexico
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Don S. Shoemaker (1919-1990) was a US (NE) born Mexican designer and painter, probably the most representative designer of Mexico Modernist furniture...
Leather, Wood
Mexican Modern Lounge Chair, Wood and Leather, 1960's
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Uccle, BE
This is the Sloucher chair made in the 1960's. Leather has been restored. Made of Cocobolo Rosewood. Don S. Shoemaker (1919 - 1990) was born in Nebraska and studied at the Art Inst...
Leather, Cocobolo
$3,975Sale Price|29% Off
Sculptural Cocobolo Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather sling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Don Shoemaker in cocobolo rosewood manufactured by Senal S.A., ...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid Century Rosewood & Black Leather Folding Lounge Chair by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Mahogany Swinger Lounge Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a mahogany frame and original black leather hide. Nail details line the top of the seat back of t...
Leather, Mahogany
Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Lounge Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood frame and original black leather hide. Nail details line the top of the seat back of t...
Leather, Rosewood
"Descanso" Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Don Shoemaker, 1970s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Coronado, CA
This large, chunky, heavy duty lounge chair and ottoman was designed by Don Shoemaker in the early 1970s as part of his "Descanso" line. It features a solid cocobolo frame and new co...
Leather, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker "Sling Swinger" Chair in Bocote & Black Leather, Mexico C. 1970
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Don Shoemaker for Señal S.A. Bocote & Black Leather Lounge Chair. Featuring handcrafted braced and smooth Mexican Bocote Wood, peg construction, comfortable ergonomic Sling, newl...
Leather, Wood
Rosewood and leather lounge Chair and Ottoman Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crafted in beautiful rosewood, the lounge chair and ottoman was an iconic design by Don Shoemaker for Senal. The chair with a rocking seat and the folding ottoman...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Sling Swinger Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Long Island City, NY
A leader of Mexico Modernism, Don Shoemaker created the “Sling” chair in the 1950s and designed variations through the 1960s, including the “Swinger” armchair you see here. Our versi...
Cocobolo, Granadillo, Leather
Vintage Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Chair Signed Senal, Mexico
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Chicago, IL
A great vintage example. Not a reproduction. Beautiful grain. Signed on cross stretcher. Are pictures available upon request.
Wood
$3,750 / set
H 32.49 in W 24.02 in D 15.36 in
Set of two Spanish Chairs and a Medieval Stool by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
What truly distinguishes this set are two extraordinary qualities: its untouched continuity and its remarkable rarity. First, this is the original three-piece ensemble, preserved ex...
Pine
$2,050Sale Price / set|26% Off
H 32 in W 36 in D 35 in
'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Mid-Century Modern 'Mr. Chair' and ottoman, designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960s. A timeless example of American Modernist design, this sculptural lounge ...
Plywood, Faux Leather
$2,850Sale Price|35% Off
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Rocking Chair, Signed
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Named the 'Swinger Chair' for its pivoting mechanism that allows you to swing in your seat, this incredible cocobolo rosewood and black leather 'Swinger' rocking armchair by leading 1960s modernist designer Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. (Mexico) is highly sought after by interior designers and avid collectors alike. The thick black leather hides used for the sling are complemented with leather buttons connecting the sling to the frame of the chair. Matching black leather removable seat cushion has beautiful patina as can be seen in the photos. Artistically sculpted exotic cocobolo rosewood put together in an eye catching and interesting biomorphic form with shoemaker's signature rosewood insert accents for the feet and upper back of the chair. Exceptional craftsmanship utilizing innovative links and joints. Metal brackets connecting the seat to the frame allow the chair to gently rock - consider this as a nursing chair for the design-centric home. Senal S.A. label on lower bar of chair. Mexican modern is a style that fits incredibly well with Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian or Danish Modern, Brazilian Modern, and Hollywood Regency. It is also a great addition for interior designers to turn an otherwise simple contemporary space and add a splash of wild and interesting. Whether you are designing a Mid-Century Modern home, contemporary, post-modern or french neoclassical apartment, this Don Shoemaker Swinger...
Leather, Rosewood
$7,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs by Don Shoemaker for Senal, 1960s, Signed
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Named the 'Swinger Chair' for its pivoting mechanism that allows you to swing in your seat, this incredible pair of rosewood and black leather 'Swinger' rocking armchairs by leading 1960s modernist designer Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. (Mexico) are highly sought after by interior designers and avid collectors alike. The thick black leather hides used for the sling are complemented with leather buttons connecting the sling to the frame of the chairs. Matching black leather removable seat cushions have beautiful patina as can be seen in the photos. Artistically sculpted exotic rosewood put together in an eye catching and interesting biomorphic form with shoemaker's signature rosewood insert accents for the feet and upper back of the chairs. Exceptional craftsmanship utilizing innovative links and joints. Metal brackets connecting the seats to the frame allow the chairs to gently rock - consider this as a nursing chair for the design-centric home. Signed with a Senal S.A. label on lower bar of one chair. Mexican modern is a style that fits incredibly well with Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian or Danish Modern, Brazilian Modern, and Hollywood Regency. It is also a great addition for interior designers to turn an otherwise simple contemporary space and add a splash of wild and interesting. Whether you are designing a Mid-Century Modern home, contemporary, post-modern or french neoclassical apartment, these Don Shoemaker Swinger...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Perno Safari Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather safari lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood cocobolo frame and original patinated black leather hide. Leather showcases a s...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
$3,600
H 32 in W 24 in D 27 in
Mid Century Rosewood & Black Leather Folding Lounge Chair by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
$4,295
H 27.25 in W 23.25 in D 27 in
Mid-Century Don Shoemaker Sloucher Sling Lounge Chair For Senal S.A.
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Fort Collins, CO
Rare and incredibly iconic “Sloucher” sling chair by furniture Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. This chair was originally part of a pair that were in a house fire. This piece has been c...
Leather, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sling Swinger Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Long Island City, NY
A leader of Mexico Modernism, Don Shoemaker created the “Sling” chair in the 1950s and designed variations through the 1960s, including the “Swinger” armchair you see here. Our versi...
Cocobolo, Granadillo, Leather
Don S. Shoemaker Sling Folding Armchair, 1960s Mexico
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Original design by Don S. Shoemaker, made in Santa María de Guido, Michoacán, Méx. This armchair is being offered without the leather, but it was professionally restored to bring out...
Wood
$3,975Sale Price|29% Off
H 33 in W 24.25 in D 27 in
Sculptural Cocobolo Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather sling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Don Shoemaker in cocobolo rosewood manufactured by Senal S.A., ...
Leather, Rosewood
$21,068 / set
H 35.44 in W 38.19 in D 38.19 in
Set of Two beige Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman for Knoll, USA, 1960s
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two Early Eero Saarinen womb chairs and ottoman for Knoll, USA - 1960s. Newly upholstered in a Knoll fabric. The measurements giv...
Metal
Don Shoemaker Folding Arm Chair, Mexico c.1960
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Two available. Price per chair. Please message. Original folding arm chairs designed by Don Shoemaker for Senal SA. Can be used as dining chair or accent chair. The chair is...
Rosewood, Teak
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo "Sloucher" Chair for Señal, 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Coronado, CA
Designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal in the 1960s, this utterly sculptural lounge chair is made of highly figured Cocobolo wood, an exotic Mexican hardwood similar to Rosewood. The c...
Leather, Cocobolo
Don S. Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Lounge Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, Shoemaker's most iconic chair, The Sloucher from the Sling line, the leather is original as are the buttons that are nailed to the wood (two out of twenty wer...
Leather, Cocobolo
Pair of rare 1950's Rosewood & Leather Sling Chairs by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique and beautiful pair of solid rosewood chairs, designed by Don Shoemaker Mexican Modernism, circa 1950s freshly restored great condition nice leather and wood refinished.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Don S. Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Chairs
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, Shoemaker's most iconic chair, The Sloucher from the Sling line, both chairs are in their original condition, the leather and its leather buttons that braid i...
Leather, Cocobolo
Sold
H 32 in W 31.5 in D 29 in
Mid Century Black Leather & Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 32 in W 31 in D 28.5 in
Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Rosewood & Leather by Don S. Shoemaker for Señal 1960s
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Deland, FL
Mid-Century Modern leather sling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Don Shoemaker in solid cocobolo rosewood manufactured by Senal ...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Leather Sling Lounge Chair for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, circa 1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood frame and original patinated black leather hide. Leather button and nail details l...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 31 in D 29.5 in
Mid Century Rosewood & Black Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage Mid-Century Modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid-century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker’s pieces feature biomorphic shapes and exotic woods designed with traditional reference. This iconic swinger sling chair is exceptionally crafted from rich cocobolo rosewood with striking grain utilizing innovative links and joints. It features original black leather sling backrest and removable seat and ottoman cushions. The seat is comfortable and roomy and is designed to gently swing forward and back. Both chair and ottoman have maker’s mark. This striking chair is a beautiful example of Mexican, Brazilian and Latin American Mid-Century Modern design quickly gaining popularity. Dimensions Chair: W 31” x D 29 1/2” x H 32 1/2” Seat Height: 17”. Ottoman: W 23” x D 16 3/4” x H 14 1/2” NOTE: Additional Don Shoemaker sling chairs...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27 in W 23.5 in D 28 in
Don Shoemaker Sloucher Rosewood & Leather Sling Chairs for Señal Furniture, 1960
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Deland, FL
Classic Don Shoemaker Sloucher lounge chairs, in solid rosewood, and black leather. Iconic example of Organic, Mexican Mid-Century Modern design...
Rosewood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 23.63 in D 29.14 in
Don S. Shoemaker 1970's Mexican "Swinger" Cueramo Wood and Leather Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Mexican 1970's cueramo wood and black leather "Swinger" lounge chair by Don S. Shoemaker. Manufactured by Señal, S.A. workshop in Santa María de Guido, Michoacán. The piece keeps i...
Leather, Wood
Don Shoemaker Rosewood "Sloucher" Lounger Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Solid Brazilian Rosewood lounge chair designed by Don Shoemaker in the 1950s. Unique organic forms and a combination of excellent materials provide a special seating experience. The ...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 30 in W 30.5 in D 33.5 in
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Chairs, Mid Century
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair of rosewood and leather chairs in wonderful condition, Don Shoemaker 1960 A stunning pair of vintage safari chairs in ...
Leather, Rosewood