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Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

American, 1919-1990

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.

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Creator: Don S. Shoemaker
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Rocking Chair, Signed
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Rocking Chair, Signed

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs by Don Shoemaker for Senal, 1960s, Signed
Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs by Don Shoemaker for Senal, 1960s, Signed

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Pair of Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs, 1960s, Signed
Pair of Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs, 1960s, Signed

Pair of Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs, 1960s, 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 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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chair and Ottoman, 1960s, Signed
Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chair and Ottoman, 1960s, Signed

Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chair and Ottoman, 1960s, 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 rosewood and black leather 'Swinger' rocking armchair and ottoman by leadi...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Vintage Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Chair Signed Senal, Mexico
Vintage Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Chair Signed Senal, Mexico

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs

Materials

Wood

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Don S. Shoemaker rocking chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Don S. Shoemaker rocking chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Don S. Shoemaker rocking chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original rocking chairs by Don S. Shoemaker were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider rocking chairs by Selig, Woodard Furniture Co., and Vladimir Kagan. Prices for Don S. Shoemaker rocking chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $3,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,000.
Questions About Don S. Shoemaker Rocking Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    The difference between a cobbler and a shoemaker comes down to their historical jobs. Shoemakers traditionally produced new footwear, while cobblers focused on repairing shoes for customers. However, some people do use the terms cobbler and shoemaker interchangeably. Shop a wide range of shoes on 1stDibs.