At a time when many furniture makers were turning to cheaper materials for mass production, mid-century modern designer John Keal didn't shy away from utilizing quality woods in his work, like mahogany and walnut to create his coffee tables, cabinets and benches.
While little is known about Keal, he was part of a powerhouse group that collaborated with Los Angeles furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman in the 1940s and ‘50s. Other designers who had partnered with the firm during the mid-20th century included Greta Magnusson Grossman, Paul Frankl, Paul Laszlo, and Gilbert Rohde, a New York City-born designer who would help legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Brown-Saltman was established in 1923 and initially specialized in reproductions of furniture in period styles. When cofounder David Saltman met Frankl, the firm had discontinued its Early California collection and was producing modern furniture.
The Austrian-born Frankl was already a big name in decorating in California in the late 1930s — his clients were Hollywood movie stars who were drawn to pieces such as his Art Deco-style Skyscraper series and other biomorphically shaped designs that showed the influence of Chinese and Japanese forms (Brown-Saltman’s offerings were frequently demonstrative of Asian influences). Frankl had become interested in producing inexpensive furniture for middle-class consumers, and his 1940s-era collaboration with Brown-Saltman was a success — print advertisements touted his name as well as the fact that these furnishings, which drew on the clean lines of chrome-framed Bauhaus pieces but instead integrated organic materials, were intended for modern homes.
Keal’s work also fit snugly into what we now call California modernism, which derived from the Bauhaus and International Style movements, and revolutionized the way we build homes today, not only in the Golden State but across the globe. Keal created sleek end tables in walnut and topped with enameled copper and upholstered low-profile dining chairs framed in bleached mahogany for Brown-Saltman as well as other West Coast mid-century brands such as Glenn of California and Modeline.
Find vintage John Keal seating, storage pieces and tables on 1stDibs.
John Keal Slatted Bench for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features mahogany wood slats and tapered dowel legs. Perfect as a low profile coffee table, entryway ben...
Mahogany
Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This bench has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long creating a versatile solid oak walnut stained...
Oak
Chic Restored Set of 12 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning set of twelve (12) Danish style dining chairs by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1955. There are two (2) host andten (10) side chairs. Stout, stylish cerused mahogany f...
Mahogany
Vintage Expandable Solid Walnut Slatted Bench, Coffee Table by John Keal
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Large Expandable Solid Walnut Wood Slatted Bench, Coffee Table, featuring a Slat Top and Tapered Legs, Joinery detail and Standing on Classic Mid Century Tapered Legs
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
$6,000 / set
John Keal Octagonal Stools in Walnut, USA 1950's
By John Keal
Located in New York, NY
John Keal Pair of Stools for Brown Saltzman of California. Another pair available for COM.
Upholstery, Walnut
Chic Restored Set of 8 Vintage Danish Style Dining Chairs by John Keal
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and co...
Mahogany
$5,699
John keal chairs
By John Keal, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie chauffeuse par John Keal, attribuée parfois à Gibbings.
Velvet, Wood
Set of 4 John Keal for Brown Saltman Modern Upholstered Armchairs
By John Keal
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Mid-Century American Modern (1950s) armchairs with stylized low arms with the back and seat upholstered in a beige / taupe circular patterned fabric and standing on 4 tapere...
Fabric
Set of Two ( 2 ) Triangular Low Profile Chairs in Walnut by John Keal for Brown
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. The chairs feature their original hardware and can be hinged together for tandem seating in a myriad of combinations and shapes if desired. The solid walnut frames are exquisitely shaped and the stunning wood grain is offset perfectly by the newly re-upholstered seats (redone in a fabulous burnt orange with hints of violet knit fabric). If desired we have additional pieces from this series sold seperately; at the time of publishing this larger set is the largest intact original set available for sale in the North America. Whether you want the two exceptional low profile side side chairs...
Walnut
$16,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
Modular 5-Piece Sectional of 3 Chairs and 2 Tables for Brown Saltman in Walnut
By John Keal
Located in Deland, FL
This is an ultra-rare set of 3-legged lounge chairs and two end tables designed by the legendary John Keal for Brown Saltman. All three chairs and two tables still feature their orig...
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Mid Century Dining Chairs by John Keal, Set of 4
By John Keal
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Cerused Mahogany Dining Chairs - Set of 4 A stunning set of four mid-mod Danish style dining chairs attributed to John Keal for Brown Saltman...
Fabric, Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Beached Mahogany Dining Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 22.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17 i...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Chic Set of 8 Lacquered Dining Chairs
Located in Bronx, NY
Chic set of 8 dining chairs in black lacquer with padded seat panels. The chairs are in very good condition and quite comfortable.
Hardwood
$9,796 / item
H 16.54 in W 52.37 in D 17.72 in
Civil Bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Civil bench 057 by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina. Prices vary dependent on the chosen material. Available in teak, oak or black stained oak. Assembly, con...
Rattan, Wood, Oak, Teak
$1,750
H 14 in W 48 in D 18 in
Mel Smilow Walnut Slat Bench or Coffee Table Mid Century Modern Refinished
By Mel Smilow
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined walnut slat bench or coffee table, designed by Mel Smilow, circa 1950s. This bench is currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed. Refinishing is incl...
Wood, Walnut
$2,500Sale Price|21% Off
H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished
By George Nelson, Maruni, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...
Wood
$4,400 / set
H 24.25 in W 14.75 in D 14.5 in
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four black-painted iron and rattan counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and moderate use. Overall Dimensions (i...
Iron
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Stool, Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A oak and green fabric stool or ottoman produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to vintage fabric consistent with age and use. Minimal wear to wood frame. Overall Dim...
Fabric, Oak
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four black-painted iron and blue velvet counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to metal. Wear consistent with age and u...
Iron
$2,692Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40 in W 20 in D 24 in
Vintage Danish Modern Dining Chairs Set of 6. Made in Denmark.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Danish modern dining chairs set of 6. Dimensions. 20 W ; 40 H ; 24 D Seat height 18.
Wood
Set of Eight Danish Vintage Teak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A very stylish and extremely well made set of 8 Danish vintage dining chairs in solid teak made in the 1960’s The quality is outstanding, they have a beautiful, sculptural design an...
Teak, Faux Leather
Set of 12 Chippendale Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality set of twelve (10 + 2 arms) late 19th century mahogany Chippendale style mahogany dining chairs, each having wo...
Mahogany
$2,236Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.85 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Set of Six Vintage Danish Oak Dining Chairs, Henning Kjærnulf style, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
We present a complete set of six Danish Brutalist dining chairs from the 1960s, embodying the iconic and sought-after style of Henning Kjærnulf. Expertly crafted from solid oak, each...
Fabric, Oak
$1,950
H 14.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
MCM Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
A true one-of-a-kind design! MCM platform slat bench or coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 2000s. The bench is in good condition with some knicks and dings due to...
Maple
John Keal for Brown Saltman Two-Tone Slat Bench
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Low profile bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1950s, USA. The bench features a mix of mahogany and beech wood that offers texture and depth with varying wood tones. Perfect...
Mahogany, Beech
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Middlesex, NJ
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
Upholstery, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Middlesex, NJ
John Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge Chair (One)
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 26.5 in D 24 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Low Profile 3 Legged Triangular Walnut Lounge Chair
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Mid-Century Vintage John Keal for Brown Saltman Low Profile Walnut 3 Legged Triangular Lounge Chair. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Chair has been...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Expandable Slatted Wood Bench by John Keal
By John Keal
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Exuding timeless appeal, this slatted wood bench by renowned mid-century modern designer John Keal embodies both functionality and clean-lined aesthetic. Crafted with meticulous atte...
Walnut
Extendable Bench in Mahogany by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in San Diego, CA
John Keal designed this extendable bench in mahogany for Brown Saltman. We have restored it to excellent vintage condition. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending...
Walnut
Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...
Walnut
Upholstered Bench by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculpted mahogany bench with upholstered top. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
Mahogany
John Keal Iron + Leather Bar Stools for Thinline of California
By John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
California design. Nice modernist bar stools. Original powder coated steel with brass footrest and new leather upholstery in the same manner as found. The iron is in the original vin...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Two-Tone Bench / Table by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Wood, Beech, Mahogany, Walnut
John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Denton, TX
Classic Mid Century Design by John Keal for Brown Saltman furniture. Newly refinished in a satin light walnut with sage green upholstery Arm chairs measure: 24 1/2 deep x 22 1/4 ...
Upholstery, Wood
John Keal Low Arm Chairs
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in New York, NY
John Keal low arm chairs. John Keal low arm chairs in Mahogany. One of John Keal's most coveted and sought after designs are these low arm chairs. Many times used in dining chair set...
Mahogany