Architectural Trolley by Don S. Shoemaker, circa 1970
View Similar Items
Architectural Trolley by Don S. Shoemaker, circa 1970
About the Item
- Creator:Don S. Shoemaker (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.89 in (81 cm)Width: 28.35 in (72 cm)Depth: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Cocobolo,Marquetry
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:MEXICO CITY, MX
- Reference Number:Seller: CARRSER0061stDibs: LU192235049703
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.
- Mid Century Rattan / Cane Drinks Trolley by Angraves, circa 1970Located in Richmond, SurreyMid Century Rattan / Cane Drinks Trolley by Angraves, circa 1970 A beautiful vintage rattan drinks trolley / bar cart by ‘Angraves’ of Leicester...Category
Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsRattan
- Scandinavian Modern Teak Trolley with Mirror Top, circa 1970Located in VÉZELAY, FRRare cubic service table / trolley / bar cart. Structure in solid teak. A mirror acts as a top shelf. Presence of a steel bar to hold bottles. Functional chrome wheels. Mid...Category
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsMetal, Steel, Chrome
$1,310 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage drinks trolley by Belgochrom, 1970sBy Belgo ChromeLocated in HEVERLEE, BEThis two tier cart consists of a smoked glass top and a mirrored glass lower shelve and is made of brass and chrome. Polished brass and chrome. Good condition, original label still...Category
Vintage 1970s Belgian Hollywood Regency Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsBrass, Chrome
- Vintage Trolley by Joe Colombo, 1970sBy Joe ColomboLocated in HEVERLEE, BEVintage 'boby portable storage system' trolley designed by Joe Colombo and produced by Bieffeplast. Part of the permanent collection of the MoMA in NYC 1970s - Italy Very go...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsPlastic
- Elegant Trolley, circa 1960Located in Saint-Ouen, FRElegant trolley, circa 1960.Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsGlass, Beech
- Trolley, Glass and Metal, 1970sLocated in Brussels, BETrolley, glass and metal, 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts
MaterialsMetal