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.
Don Shoemaker Sling Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Denton, TX
The iconic beautiful mexican modern Don Shoemaker "sling" chair. Made for Señal S.A. Made from solid Cocobolo Wood with original black leather. Made in the 1960s
Leather, Cocobolo
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Rosewood and Leather 'Sloucher' Lounge Chair by Don Shoemaker, 1960s, Signed
By Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic example of Mexican modernist craftsmanship, this original “Sloucher” lounge chair was designed by Don Shoemaker for Senal, Mexico, circa 1960s. Executed in richly grained solid rosewood with its original thick saddle leather sling seat and bearing the original Senal S.A. label, this sculptural lounge chair represents one of Shoemaker’s most celebrated and enduring designs. Don Shoemaker is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Mexican modern furniture...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Mexican Modern Don Shoemaker Senal SA Sling Swinger Chairs Set of 4
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent set of four rare original Mid-Century Modern Mexican bocote wood and black leather "Swingers" by legendary designer Don S. Shoemaker (1919-1990) This iconic Modernist ...
Leather, Wood
Don Shoemaker Sling "Swinger" Chair and Ottoman for Señal, S.A, 1960
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
One set of Swinger chair and ottoman from Don Shoemaker for the iconic Señal, S.A workshop of Mexico. This chair has been refinished and are in excellent condition. The chairs retain...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sloucher Rosewood & Leather Sling Chairs for Señal, S.A., 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
For your consideration, a pair of 1960s Don Shoemaker Sloucher lounge chairs, in solid cocobolo rosewood and black leather. Iconic example of Organi...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Mid Century Rosewood & Black Leather Folding Lounge Chair by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Chairs Señal, Sculptural and Organic, Mexico
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Don S. Shoemaker (1919-1990) was a US (NE) born Mexican designer and painter, probably the most representative designer of Mexico Modernist furniture...
Leather, Wood
$3,975Sale Price|29% Off
Sculptural Cocobolo Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather sling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Don Shoemaker in cocobolo rosewood manufactured by Senal S.A., ...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Mahogany Swinger Lounge Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a mahogany frame and original black leather hide. Nail details line the top of the seat back of t...
Leather, Mahogany
Don Shoemaker Rosewood Swinger Lounge Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood frame and original black leather hide. Nail details line the top of the seat back of t...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker "Sling Swinger" Chair in Bocote & Black Leather, Mexico C. 1970
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Don Shoemaker for Señal S.A. Bocote & Black Leather Lounge Chair. Featuring handcrafted braced and smooth Mexican Bocote Wood, peg construction, comfortable ergonomic Sling, newl...
Leather, Wood
Don Shoemaker Sling Swinger Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Long Island City, NY
A leader of Mexico Modernism, Don Shoemaker created the “Sling” chair in the 1950s and designed variations through the 1960s, including the “Swinger” armchair you see here. Our versi...
Cocobolo, Granadillo, Leather
$2,000
H 36.23 in W 18.51 in D 22.84 in
Rare Chair Hand Painted by Mexican Mid-Century Modernist Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare an amazing chair hand painted designed by Don Shoemaker, circa 1960, includes
Wood, Pine
$2,900Sale Price|34% Off
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Rocking Chair, 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 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...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Perno Safari Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather safari lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, c.1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood cocobolo frame and original patinated black leather hide. Leather showcases a s...
Leather, Rosewood, Cocobolo
$5,200 / set
H 33 in W 27.5 in D 34 in
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by John Widdicomb, Circa 1960s
By John Widdicomb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of midcentury Widdicomb lounge chairs. Spacious seating area with large semi-firm cushioning. Handsome angular wooden frames. A great addition to any modern interior's s...
Upholstery, Walnut
$5,129
H 32.68 in W 30.71 in D 28.75 in
Mexican Modern, Don S Shoemaker, Sling Swinger chair with footstool, 1960's
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Uccle, BE
Iconic Don S. Shoemaker Sling Swinger chair with footrest. Made from cocobolo (Mexican rosewood) and black leather in the 1960s. The biomorphic lines of the exotic rosewood create an...
Leather, Cocobolo
$2,850
H 37.8 in W 32.29 in D 29.93 in
Pierre Paulin F-444 Lounge Chair by Artifort, 1960s — Mesh Seat
By Artifort, Pierre Paulin
Located in Dronten, NL
A striking example of mid-century innovation, this F-444 lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort epitomizes the designer’s sculptural yet functional approach to modern seating. D...
Steel
$7,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Rosewood and Leather 'Swinger' Chairs by Don Shoemaker for Senal, 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...
Leather, Rosewood
Mexican Mid-Century Modernist Don Shoemaker Chair
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare an amazing chair designed by Don Shoemaker, circa 1960.
Wood, Pine
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 42.13 in D 33.47 in
De Sede "DS-101" Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1960s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare De Sede high quality leather lounge armchair DS 101 with ottoman. Very comfortable - the seat pulls out in front for more of a recline. Known from the James Bond movie "On H...
Leather
Lounge Chair in Metal and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare lounge chair / flag halyard chair designed by Hans Wegner Produced by GETAMA in Denmark Metal, flagline, sheepskin, cushion 1960s Good vintage condition, with signs of usage...
Sheepskin
$3,600 / set
H 31 in W 24 in D 28 in
Pr. Rosewood and Leather Lounge Arm Chairs by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Iconic voguish Italian design, model 917 Cassina chairs designed by Tobia Scarpa, circa 1950's. The chairs feature rosewood frames, with black leather upholstery. The chairs are stru...
Leather, Wood
$4,108
H 28.75 in W 22.84 in D 29.53 in
Scandinavian Lounge Chair in Pine, Model "Trybo" by Edvin Helseth, 1960s
By Edvin Helseth
Located in Karlstad, SE
Scandinavian lounge chair in pine, model "Trybo" by Edvin Helseth, 1960s. The "Trybo" series was designed in 1964 for the "Trysil-cabin" (Trysil is the largest ski-resort in Norway)....
Pine
Don S. Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Lounge Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, Shoemaker's most iconic chair, The Sloucher from the Sling line, the leather is original as are the buttons that are nailed to the wood (two out of twenty wer...
Leather, Cocobolo
Pair of Don S. Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Chairs
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, Shoemaker's most iconic chair, The Sloucher from the Sling line, both chairs are in their original condition, the leather and its leather buttons that braid i...
Leather, Cocobolo
Sold
H 32 in W 31.5 in D 29 in
Mid Century Black Leather & Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 32 in W 31 in D 28.5 in
Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Rosewood & Leather by Don S. Shoemaker for Señal 1960s
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Deland, FL
Mid-Century Modern leather sling lounge chair and ottoman designed by Don Shoemaker in solid cocobolo rosewood manufactured by Senal ...
Leather, Rosewood
Don Shoemaker Leather Sling Lounge Chair for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather lounge chair by Don Shoemaker for Señal, circa 1960s, Mexico. The chair features a rosewood frame and original patinated black leather hide. Leather button and nail details l...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 31 in D 29.5 in
Mid Century Rosewood & Black Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Don Shoemaker
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage Mid-Century Modern armchair was designed in the 1950s by Don Shoemaker and produced by Señal, S.A., Mexico circa 1960. A leading mid-century Mexican modernist, Shoemaker’s pieces feature biomorphic shapes and exotic woods designed with traditional reference. This iconic swinger sling chair is exceptionally crafted from rich cocobolo rosewood with striking grain utilizing innovative links and joints. It features original black leather sling backrest and removable seat and ottoman cushions. The seat is comfortable and roomy and is designed to gently swing forward and back. Both chair and ottoman have maker’s mark. This striking chair is a beautiful example of Mexican, Brazilian and Latin American Mid-Century Modern design quickly gaining popularity. Dimensions Chair: W 31” x D 29 1/2” x H 32 1/2” Seat Height: 17”. Ottoman: W 23” x D 16 3/4” x H 14 1/2” NOTE: Additional Don Shoemaker sling chairs...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 23.63 in D 29.14 in
Don S. Shoemaker 1970's Mexican "Swinger" Cueramo Wood and Leather Chair
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Mexico City, MX
A Mexican 1970's cueramo wood and black leather "Swinger" lounge chair by Don S. Shoemaker. Manufactured by Señal, S.A. workshop in Santa María de Guido, Michoacán. The piece keeps i...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 30.5 in D 33.5 in
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Chairs, Mid Century
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair of rosewood and leather chairs in wonderful condition, Don Shoemaker 1960 A stunning pair of vintage safari chairs in ...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 23.23 in D 27.76 in
Don Shoemaker Rosewood and Leather ‘Sloucher’ Chairs, Mexico 1950s
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Pair of lounge chairs model 'Sloucher' by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico 1960s. Outstanding organically shaped bone structure with a nice leather sling seat. Interesting shapes and ...
Leather, Cocobolo
Sold
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood Swinger Chair and Ottoman, 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 Cocobolo Rosewood and black leather 'Swinger' chair with matching ottoman by leading 1960s modernist designer Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. (Mexico) are highly sought after by interior designers and avid collectors alike. 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. The gorgeous and thick black leather hides used for the removable seat cushions and the seat back sling are complemented with leather buttons connecting the sling to the frame of the chair. 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. The removable ottoman seat floats on top of cording giving this pair and incredible and unique styling making it appear as if it was floating on air. Signed with the Patent Label ("PAT. 207,952 U.S.A.") on the chair which corresponds to the US Patent office image in the photo gallery. We also have another large set of Swinger armchairs, if you are looking to make a pair or a set of 4, and we also have other Don Shoemaker items in stock including the Sloucher lounge chairs, the super rare Dining Table, trays and accessories, and more, contact us for our current selection of Don Shoemaker for Senal SA...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 27 in W 23.5 in D 28 in
Don S. Shoemaker Solid Rosewood "Sloucher" Lounge Chair by Senal Mexico
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early Don S. Shoemaker solid rosewood lounge chair. Dowels are unusual and more substantial than later models. Sling is also 1 piece of Leather instead of the pieced together covers....
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 33 in W 30.5 in D 30 in
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. This example is particularly perfect for the discriminating collector - read further below under Condition notes for more detail on why. The thick black leather hides used for the removable seat cushions and the seat back sling are complemented with leather buttons connecting the sling to the frame of the chair. 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 and this particular example has greater vivid detail to the wood grain - a truly exceptional example and wildly beautiful. 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...
Leather, Rosewood