Pair of Midcentury Sculptural Lounge Chairs by John Caldwell for Brown Saltman
View Similar Items
Pair of Midcentury Sculptural Lounge Chairs by John Caldwell for Brown Saltman
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Depth: 25 in (63.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Las Vegas, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU139928848053
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.
- Pair of Sculptural Polish Wicker Scoop Lounge ChairsBy Wim Den BoonLocated in Las Vegas, NVExcellent pair of 1970s, Polish wicker scoop lounge chairs. Chairs are in excellent vintage condition with no actual damage. The fabric on the seat cush...Category
20th Century Chairs
MaterialsWicker
- Midcentury Sculptural High Back Swivel ChairBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Las Vegas, NVRare mid century highback swivel chair. A beautiful one off, statement chair. Modernized in new soft boucle style fabric that looks stunning atop the ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Antique Carved Wood Parlor Side ChairLocated in Las Vegas, NVIf you are looking for the perfect antique, more traditional style side chair, look no further. This chair and all it's carved wood details is amazing. I don't know that I've seen a ...Category
Early 20th Century Side Chairs
MaterialsWood, Velvet
- Mexican Sabino Wood Live Edge Wood ChairLocated in Las Vegas, NVGreat, primitive live edge chair. Perfect corner piece to compliment any wabisabi, minimalist or rustic decor. Chair has natural inclusions and ligh...Category
Mid-20th Century Rustic Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Post Modern Lounge Chairs by MetroBy Jules Heumann, MetropolitanLocated in Las Vegas, NVNice pair of Post Modern lounge chairs by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan Furniture. The lines of these chairs are covetable, such a beautiful design. Chair have been restored in a...Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Chairs
MaterialsLeather
$4,800 / set - Italian Post Modern Sculptural Lounge ChairLocated in Las Vegas, NVIf you've been looking for an incredible, sculptural lounge chair that will be the center of attention, look no further. This chair is big on style and size, a truly gorgeous piece, ...Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsPolyester
- 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
- 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 - Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mahogony Chairs by Brown SaltmanBy Brown Saltman, John KealLocated in Chino Hills, CAA classic American design; John Keal for Brown Saltman dining chairs x4. They feature a beautiful glossed solid mahogany finish with...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
$2,000 Sale Price20% Off - 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
- Pair of Tall Sculptural American Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs in WalnutLocated in Bernville, PAPair of tall sculptural American Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs. Elegantly restored and handcrafted solid walnut in a gloss finish perfectly complimented with soft, cream ultra-sue...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsUltrasuede, Walnut
- 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