If it weren’t for his honeymoon, American furniture designer Don S. Shoemaker and his company, Señal S.A., 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, Shoemaker 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 modest factory became Señal S.A., 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 from 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 Señal S.A. tables, lounge chairs and other furniture.
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s. Makers label to the bottom.
Wood, Cocobolo
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 2 Candlesticks by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at The Fine Arts Institution of Chicago. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mexico with his family and settled in Santa Maria de Guido...
Hardwood
Don Shoemaker - Senal Exotic Mixed Hardwoods Rosewood Trinket Box Made in Mexico
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by eccentric woodworker and designer Don Shoemaker, this trinket box was made by Senal in Mexico. It employs a cacophany of exotic woods, including cocobolo, jacaranda, and ...
Jacaranda, Mahogany, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Early Vintage Rosewood Salt and Pepper Shaker Set by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern abstract salt and pepper shakers designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal, S.A. Mexico. This set is handmade in rosewood with unique brass ring dispensers that makes fo...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Cocobolo Candle Holders by Don S. Shoemaker, Mexico
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Don Shoemaker for Señal cocobolo candle holders. The hand carved minimalist candle holders feature an organic, fluid form with a brass center for a candlestick. Dimensions ...
Brass
$1,825Sale Price|37% Off
Don Shoemaker Exotic Wood Inlaid Decorative Briefcase for Señal, circa 1970
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisitely crafted slim decorative briefcase designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal of Mexico. Taking advantage of the expertise provided by Mexican artisans, shoemaker founded Señal w...
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Cocobolo
$280Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Don Shoemaker for Señal Carved Root Wood Box Mexico
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a free form lidded box designer Don Shoemaker Mexico. Retains original label Señal. Mexico circa the 1970s. Cocobolo root wood. Dimensions: 6.5" H x 4" D x 10...
Cocobolo, Wood
Don Shoemaker Parquetry Work Box for Senal SA, Mexico, Label
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great parquetry box, designed for Don Shoemaker, label, Senal SA.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Candle Holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Candle Holder, 1960s. Solid brass, beautifully patinated. Simple and elegant.
Brass
$176Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 5.25 in D 3 in
Wilhelm Wagenfeld Bauhaus Salt and Pepper Shakers New in Box 1950s
By Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in San Diego, CA
Wilhelm Wagenfeld glass and stainless steel salt and Pepper Shakers, 1952. Produced by WMF of Germany. Selected for the MoMA Good Design Exhibition and part of their permanent colle...
Stainless Steel
$319Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 2.75 in Dm 1.5 in
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Salt & Pepper Shaker
Located in Sheffield, MA
Faneuil by Tiffany & Co. sterling silver salt shaker and pepper mill set. Simple elegance, Salt shaker 1.5" D x 2.25" H. OFFERING FREE SHIPPING TO CONTINENTAL US. PLEASE JUST ASK FO...
Sterling Silver
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse pencil holder around 1950 Original condition Pencil not included
Brass
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 2 in W 4 in D 1.5 in
Mid Century Rosewood “Elephant” Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
Wear consistent with age and use. As a vintage item, light cosmetic wear might be present but with no structural damage. Wear consistent with age and use.
Rosewood
1960s Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Candle Holders
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Beautiful set of two thick Murano glass candle holders in black purple reflections colors. Both still in perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Don Shoemaker Bookends for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at The Fine Arts Institution of Chicago. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mexico with his family and settled in Santa Maria de Guido...
Hardwood
$199Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 3.75 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Exotic Wood and Bronze Dugout by William Stuart for Costantini Design 3.75" H x 1.75 W x 0.5" D Costantini founder William Stuart has bough...
Bronze
British Campaign Royalty Leather Traveling Trunk, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
British Campaign water proof leather traveling trunk with leather fitted interior compartment, brass banding mounts, Royal coat of arms brass plate, brass side handles, and retains t...
$1,650
H 21.5 in W 2.75 in D 16.5 in
Don Shoemaker for Señal Rosewood Marquetry Backgammon Set, Mexico, 1970s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully handcrafted portable backgammon set designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, executed in richly figured tropical hardwoods with striking marquetry inlaid playing surfaces. The folding case opens to reveal a dramatic geometric board composed of contrasting exotic woods, while the exterior displays equally beautiful striped grain, making the piece as decorative as it is functional. #5560 The interior includes recessed compartments for game accessories and retains its original turned hardwood checkers (dice, and doubling cube ar not original). Brass corner protectors, solid brass hinges, and the ingenious removable carrying handle exemplify Shoemaker's thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and utility. Whether displayed on a cocktail table, library shelf, or credenza, this is both a sophisticated game set and an exceptional example of Mexican Mid-Century Modern design. Dimensions: 21.5" W × 12.5" D × 3" H Material: Expertly handcrafted from richly figured tropical hardwoods including cocobolo and other native Mexican species, featuring a dramatic marquetry playing surface in contrasting natural wood tones. Condition: Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear consistent with decades of careful use. The richly figured tropical hardwoods retain a beautiful, warm patina, and the marquetry playing surface presents exceptionally well. Brass hardware exhibits an attractive aged finish. Includes the original hardwood checkers, dice, and doubling cube. Please note that the small retaining pin for the removable carrying handle is missing, though the handle itself is present and functional. Additionally, one of the original brass corner protectors on the handle is missing. These minor losses do not detract from the overall presentation or functionality of this scarce and highly collectible Don Shoemaker backgammon...
Wood, Rosewood
$1,824
H 11.03 in W 29.93 in D 22.84 in
Luxury Vintage Six Person Fortnum & Mason Wicker Picnic Hamper Crystal
By Fortnum & Mason
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage large Fortnum & Mason six person wicket picnic hamper RRP £2550 A very well made and decorati...
Wicker
$385
H 2 in W 6.5 in D 4.5 in
Turquoise Glass Mosaic Trinket Box with Aztec Calendar Medallion, Mexico, 1950's
By Salvador Teran
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Trinket Box / Jewelry Box, Mexico, 1950's Brass Box with Turquoise Glass Mosaic and Aztec Calendar Medallion on Lid, " A treasure box for your treasures" " In very good as...
Brass
Sold
H 1.25 in W 8 in D 8 in
60's Don S Shoemaker for Senal Carved Rosewood Tic-tac-toe Game Mexico Sculpture
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic hand made Don S. Shoemaker designed tic-tac-toe game for Senal and dates from the 1960's. Made of beautiful rosewood. Has the original artists tag on the bottom. The game i...
Wood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Petite Hinged Lid Box for Señal
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular Cocobolo box by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. Shoemaker is known for his use of exotic Mexican hardwoods and this hinged lid box is a beautiful ex...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Spice Rack for Señal SA
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
In theory, this piece was part of a set of kitchen spice racks, the lid is missing, it can be used as a storage for pens or a sweet bowl Born in Nebraska, ...
Hardwood
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Vessel
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo vessel for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The hand carved minimalist vessel features a rippled body with soft rounded edges and an eye catching wood grain. CITES Not...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Marquetry Paper Tray
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cocobolo paper tray with geometric pattern by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. Shoemaker is known for the marquetry in his work, which is clearly visible in the ...
Rosewood, Hardwood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Large Decorative Tray with Chevron Stripe
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rosewood serving tray with integrated handles by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. The surface of the tray has a pixelated chevron-patterned parquet detail in exoti...
Wood, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Pair of Don Shoemaker Block Candle Holders
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Don Shoemaker for Señal cocobolo candle holders. The hand carved minimalist rosewood candle holders feature a geometric block design with circular carving in the center for a...
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Set of Three Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Block Candle Holders
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three Don Shoemaker for Señal cocobolo candle holders. The hand carved minimalist rosewood candle holders feature a geometric block design with circular cutout design on each ...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Rosewood Block Vessel
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don Shoemaker block vessel for Señal Rosewood vessel. The hand carved minimalist vessel features a geometric block design with circular carving in the center of the vessel. Labeled ...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker for Señal Narrow Decorative Tray
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A narrow serving tray by Don Shoemaker for Senal of Mexico. The tray has a dark rosewood frame with integrated handles at either end, and the t...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Rosewood Box for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A small Cocobolo rosewood box with geometric pattern by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. Shoemaker is known for the marquetry in his work, which is clearly visib...
Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Rosewood Lidded Box for Senal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rectangular Rosewood box with geometric pattern by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. Shoemaker is known for the marquetry in his work, which is clearly visible ...
Rosewood