Set of 2 Candlesticks by Don Shoemaker
About the Item
- Creator:Senal (Workshop/Studio),Don S. Shoemaker (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 12.01 in (30.5 cm)Diameter: 2.07 in (5.25 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Pedro Garza Garcia, MX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3330337954722
Don S. Shoemaker
If it weren’t for his honeymoon, American furniture designer Don S. Shoemaker 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 the cocobolo, a Mexican rosewood, and he decided to delve into furniture design. In the late 1950s, he started a small factory, producing hand-carved armchairs, dining room tables, decorative boxes and bowls, and serveware. The popularity of Shoemaker’s furnishings grew throughout Mexico, and his small factory became the Señal S.A. company, 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 Don S. Shoemaker desks, seating, decorative objects and serveware.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 10 days of delivery.
- Pair of Don Shoemaker Dining ChairsBy Don S. Shoemaker, SenalLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonPair of Don Shoemaker dining chairs (F84C), original leather on the seat and back, reversible seat and original buttons too. Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at T...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsGranadillo, Leather
- Don Shoemaker Serving TrayBy Don S. Shoemaker, SenalLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonBorn 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...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
MaterialsWood
- Don Shoemaker Bookends for SeñalBy Senal, Don S. ShoemakerLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonBorn 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...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookends
MaterialsHardwood
- Don S. Shoemaker Sling Sloucher Lounge ChairBy Don S. Shoemaker, SenalLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonFor 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...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Cocobolo
- Don Shoemaker Spice Rack for Señal SABy Don S. Shoemaker, SenalLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonIn 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, Don S. Shoemaker studied p...Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsHardwood
- Set of 7 Plates by Miguel PinedaBy Miguel PinedaLocated in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo LeonSet of 7 different plates from the Mexican Miguel Pineda known for his artist pieces in high quality enamel; each plate has a special design reflecting Pineda's style and they are definitely the perfect pieces to have at home. Red Plate D: 8cm (3.14in) H: 0.3cm (0.11in) 2 Fish Plate H: 1.7cm (.66in) W: 12cm (4.7in) D: 8cm (3.14in) Rooster plate...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
MaterialsMetal, Enamel
- Set of Three Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Block Candle HoldersBy Senal, Don S. ShoemakerLocated in Los Angeles, CASet 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 ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks
MaterialsCocobolo
- Biomorphic Candle Holder in the Style of Don ShoemakerBy Don S. ShoemakerLocated in Los Angeles, CAHand carved burl wood candelabra. The freeform candle holder features placement for three candle sticks perfect for a dining or coffee table. Dimensions 16.75" width x 7.5" depth x ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Candelabras
MaterialsWood, Burl
- Don Shoemaker Cylindrical VesselBy Senal, Don S. ShoemakerLocated in Los Angeles, CAA Rosewood cylindrical vessel with geometric pattern by Don Shoemaker for his company Señal in the 1960s. Shoemaker is known for the marquetry in his w...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
MaterialsRosewood
- 1960s Bronze Candle Holder Exotic Wood Don Shoemaker MexicoBy Don S. ShoemakerLocated in Chula Vista, CAFascinating piece Don Shoemaker Votive Candleholder Mexico 1960s Bronze & Exotic Cocobolo Wood. Fine Mexican Modernism Original Preowned Vintage Unrestored...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern More Candle Holders
MaterialsBronze
- Early Vintage Rosewood Salt and Pepper Shaker Set by Don ShoemakerBy Senal, Don S. ShoemakerLocated in San Jose, CAMid-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...Category
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsBrass
- Don Shoemaker for Señal Marquetry Paper TrayBy Senal, Don S. ShoemakerLocated in Los Angeles, CACocobolo 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 ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories
MaterialsHardwood, Cocobolo, Rosewood
