Dan Johnson "Viscount Chairs", Denmark, 1950s
View Similar Items
Dan Johnson "Viscount Chairs", Denmark, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Dan Johnson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Length: 28 in (71.12 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Restored. New leather upholstery.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: 28220191stDibs: LU918716397962
Dan Johnson
While most postwar furniture designers were looking to the future, Dan Johnson found inspiration in the past. The mid-century modern maverick is remembered for his beautiful armchairs, lounge chairs and dining tables with designs that are reminiscent of ancient Rome.
The American furniture designer began his career in the late 1940s by creating solid wood pieces like desks and dining chairs for California furniture manufacturer Hayden Hall. By the early 1950s, he was designing chairs and tables for American furniture importer and producer Selig. In 1955, Johnson moved to Rome on an apartment design commission. While there, he launched Dan Johnson Studio with the goal of bringing a modern approach to the Roman furniture of antiquity.
The pieces from this era of Johnson’s career are characterized by their sculptural metal designs. His most famous work was the elegant Gazelle line, sold in America by Selig. It features dining tables, coffee tables and multiple chair designs that involve a green “Pompeian Verde” patina, metal framing and traditional caning techniques. Due to a high manufacturing cost, the production line was limited and is highly exclusive today.
Another popular design by Johnson for Selig in the 1950s was the Viscount chair. More typical of the mid-century style, it was made with a wood frame, polished brass accents and orange leather upholstery. In the 1960s, Johnson designed a similar aluminum chair for American furniture manufacturer and distributor Shelby Williams, this one with blue upholstery.
Johnson died in 1978. The Gazelle armchair is in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum and Denver Art Museum, and a prototype of the Gazelle lounge chair is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Interior designers regularly use Johnson’s furniture for upscale outdoor spaces in California and New York.
On 1stDibs, find Dan Johnson seating, tables, desks and more.
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Ultrasuede
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal, Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
