John Keal Credenzas
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.
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Creator: John Keal
1950's John Keal design for Brown-Saltman Low Credenza Cabinet
By John Keal
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-century four-door very low cabinet designed by John Keal for Brown-Saltman.
Gorgeous walnut grain throughout. Nickel-plated pulls and back plate.
Exceptionally versatile piece of furniture which could be used as a bench, entry way cabinet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern John Keal Credenzas
Materials
Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Countryside, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Walnut Credenza
This highboy measures: 38 wide x 19 deep x 64.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
1950s John Keal Petite Buffet for Brown Saltman Philippine Mahogany Credenza
By John Keal
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s John Keal petite buffet for brown Saltman Philippine mahogany credenza
john Keal Philippine mahogany wooden petite buffet.
This rarely seen...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Keal Credenzas
Materials
Mahogany
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid-Century Cane Lowboy
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Countryside, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman midcentury cane lowboy.
This lowboy measures: 54 wide x 18 deep x 32 inches high.
All pieces ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas
Materials
Cane, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Countryside, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Bleached Mahogany Credenza
This credenza measures: 66 wide x 20 deep x 33 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call res...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Keal Credenzas
Materials
Chrome
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John Keal credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.
John Keal credenzas 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 John Keal credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas by John Keal were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider credenzas by Warren Platner, Kindel Furniture, and Stow & Davis. Prices for John Keal credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $5,195, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,895.