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.
"Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray Side Tables by John Keal, Hairpin Legs, 1950s"
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tray side table with hairpin style and a pullout, manufactured by Brown Saltman, and designed By John Keal.
Wood, Hardwood
$1,800 / set
H 15.5 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
Pair Mid Century John Keal Brown Saltman Walnut & Glass End Side Tables 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Troy, MI
Unique pair of side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman circa 1950s Square walnut pedestal bases with decorative reverse painted glass surfaces in mottled gold tones Both...
Glass, Walnut
$850
H 15.75 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Travertine Stone Side Table by John Keal
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desi...
Travertine
$3,800 / set
H 16 in W 20 in D 18 in
Mid 20th Century John Keal for Brown Saltman Hexagonal Side Tables, Set of 2
By Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman burl wood hexagon side tables. Also great together as a small coffee tables. Angled corners, lower shelves, black platforms, beautiful wood grain,...
Wood
$2,800 / set
H 15.75 in Dm 21 in
Pair of Hexagonal 'Domino' Side Tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Occasional hexagonal tables by John Keal for Brown-Saltman. Stamped and labeled. Practical and versatile.
Glass, Wood
$1,500 / set
H 15.5 in W 21 in D 18 in
Pair of John Keal for Brown Saltman “Domino” Hexagonal Side Tables Mid-Century
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A striking pair of Mid-Century Modern hexagonal “Domino” side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, circa 1960s. These iconic tables showcase Keal’s signature geometric se...
Glass, Wood
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Keal for Brown Saltman Mid Century Magazine Side Table This side table measures: 23.75 wide x 29 deep x 19.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to...
Wood
$1,650 / set
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
John Keal for Brown Saltman Snowbell Tree Tile Top Design, Walnut Side Tables
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern John Keal for Brown Saltman walnut side tables with colorful ceramic art tiles in an abstract of a Japanese Snowbell Tree. Newly refinished and reglued. No...
Ceramic, Walnut
$2,500
H 15.5 in W 21 in D 21 in
Pair of MId-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman.
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Mid-Century side tables. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Walnut with gold/copper pebbled resin design under glass tops. 1960's.
Resin, Walnut
$1,925Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 15.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Pair of Walnut and Travertine Side Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman
By John Keal
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a very nice pair of tables in original condition designed by John Keal (1918-1982) and manufactured by Brown Saltman. Brown Saltman, based in Los Angeles, partnered with many...
Travertine
Pair of End Tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman of California
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of early Brown Saltman of California teak end tables with brass details designed by John Keal, circa 1950s. These tables can be used as side tabl...
Brass
John Keal Side Table with Travertine Stone Top for Brown Saltman
By John Keal, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stylish side table designed by John Keal and manufactured by brown Saltman in the United States circa 1950’s. This unique design has been recently refinished by our skilled team of c...
Travertine
$950
H 16 in W 20 in D 18 in
Mid Century Brown - Saltman Burl Wood Hexagon Side Table by John Kea 1950s 1960s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid Century Modern Brown-Saltman Of California Walnut And Burl Wood Or Burlwood Hexagon Side Table by John Keal. This Vintage John Keal Walnut And Burl Wood Angled Corner Side Table ...
Wood, Walnut, Burl
John Keal Folding Side Tables
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Group of three original Mid-Century Modern walnut folding end tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman. Vintage 1950s. These tables are ideal for small spaces like condos or apartments....
Formica, Walnut