John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
View Similar Items
John Keal for Brown Saltman Dining Chairs
About the Item
- Creator:John Keal (Designer),Brown Saltman (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.75 in (78.11 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Denton, TX
- Reference Number:Seller: KMD520220231stDibs: LU2538334310712
John Keal
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.
Brown Saltman
The enduring modern design legacy of Brown Saltman was born from the collaboration between designer Paul Frankl and furniture manufacturer David Saltman. Together, they created stunning mid-century modern solid wood furniture with Art Deco influences. Brown Saltman side tables, cocktail tables and credenzas are known for their thoughtful designs and exquisite details.
Frankl was a leading American designer who came to prominence in the 1930s by making rattan furniture for Hollywood stars. However, he dreamed of bringing his designs to the public. That chance came in 1939, when he met Saltman at a party. Saltman was the head of the Los Angeles-based Brown Saltman, which, at the time, specialized in furniture reproductions.
He asked Frankl to create a furniture line, which was released in 1941. It was a hit, with sales exceeding expectations. Frankl quickly started work on a new line for mass production. It featured simplified designs and less expensive materials like combed wood and textured plywood. This line was even more successful, and Frankl started on a third.
In 1942, Frankl and Saltman signed an extended contract to continue their collaboration. However, Saltman died in a traffic accident the next day. World War II also brought Brown Saltman production to a standstill. After the war ended, Frankl decided not to renew his contract.
Brown Saltman partnered with many other designers over the years. A walnut sideboard by Van Keppel-Green for Brown Saltman was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1950-51 Good Design exhibition. Architect and interior designer Paul Laszlo also designed a commercial furniture line for the company in the 1950s.
Brown Saltman dissolved in 1960, but its well-built and beautifully designed furniture remains in high demand today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Brown Saltman tables, storage cabinets, seating and more.
- John Keal for Brown Saltman Wedge End TablesBy John Keal, Brown SaltmanLocated in Denton, TXJohn Keal for brown Saltman walnut wedge end tables/ magazine rack with brass capped feet. Hard to find in this good of original condition. Please see ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsBrass
$4,000 / set - Walnut with Copper Tile Top Tables by John Keal for Brown SaltmanBy John KealLocated in Denton, TXSet of three solid walnut with copper tile top tables by John Keal for Brown Saltman.Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsCopper
- Landerholm & Lund for Fredericia Stolefabrik Tripod Dining ChairsBy Fredericia StolefabrikLocated in Denton, TXLanderholm & Lund for Frederica stolefabrik tripod dining chairs. Mahogany armchairs with bentwood wishbone frames & black vinyl seats.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Mahogany
- Giancarlo Vegni for Fasem "Stripe" Dining ChairsBy Fasem International, Giancarlo VegniLocated in Denton, TXHand stitched leather stripes mounted on chrome sprawled leg bases. Very comfortable, Two arm and two without arms.Category
20th Century Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsChrome
$4,000 / set - Milo Baughman High Back Cane Dining Chairs for Thayer CogginBy Milo Baughman, Thayer CogginLocated in Denton, TXChrome high back dining chairs with cane back and original upholstery. Deigned by Milo Baughman and manufactured by Thayer Coggin. T...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Six Bentwood Walnut Dining ChairsBy Lane FurnitureLocated in Denton, TXOne arm chair and five side chairs complete this set of six . Bent walnut plywood with architechual wood frames. This set retains its original black vinyl cushions Made by Lane furni...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Oak, Walnut
$3,000 / set
- John Keal for Brown Saltman Mcm Bleached Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of 6By Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Countryside, ILJohn Keal for brown saltman mid century Bleached Mahogany dining chairs - set of 6. Each armless chair measures: 20.5 wide x 24 deep x 30 h...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Mahogany
- Sofa Designed by John Keal for Brown SaltmanBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Palm Desert, CAThis is a wonderful example of a mid century modern sofa. Designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman, the sofa is upholstered in a heathered beige linen blend fabric and sits on two esp...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Chic Restored Set of 8 Cerused Mahogany Dining Chairs by John Keal, circa 1955By Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Atlanta, GAThis magnificent set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered and co...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Pair of Johnn Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge ChairsBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Middlesex, NJPair of Johnn Keal for Brown Saltman Lounge ChairsCategory
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
$7,200 / set - Brown Saltman Expandable Slat Bench by John KealBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Miami, FLMidcentury Brown Saltman expandable slat bench designed by John Keal. This ingenious design has two ends that pull-out extending to almost 94” long. A ...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of FourBy Brown Saltman, Paul FranklLocated in Van Nuys, CASet of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood