If it weren’t for his honeymoon, American furniture designer Don S. Shoemaker and his company, Señal S.A., 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 cocobolo, a Mexican rosewood, and he decided to delve into furniture design.
In the late 1950s, Shoemaker started a small factory, producing hand-carved desks, armchairs, dining room tables, decorative boxes and bowls, and serveware. The popularity of Shoemaker’s furnishings grew throughout Mexico, and his modest factory became Señal S.A., 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 Señal S.A. tables, lounge chairs and other furniture.
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Don S. Shoemaker Cocobolo Wood Bookends, Mid-20th Century
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Don Shoemaker Bookends for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born 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...
Hardwood
Don S. Shoemaker Cocobolo Wood Bookends, Mid-20th Century
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Pair of Solid Brass Folding Chinese Foo Dog Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of solid brass folding foo dog bookends, circa 1960s. The bookends are in good vintage condition and measure 7"W x 3.5"D x 6"H. Great look! #3588
Brass
Lucite Acrylic Bookends, Pair, circa Midcentury 20th century
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear Lucite acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, in the Modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Top of bookend ha...
Acrylic, Lucite
$1,032 / set
H 8.7 in W 6 in D 3 in
Near Antique Hand Carved Wooden Don Quixote and Sancho Panza Sculpture Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Very well carved and superb condition, famous novel bookends. This wonderfully hand-carved pair of wooden bookends depicts two of literature’s most iconic figures: the noble and ide...
Wood
$1,650
H 21.5 in W 2.75 in D 16.5 in
Don Shoemaker for Señal Rosewood Marquetry Backgammon Set, Mexico, 1970s
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully handcrafted portable backgammon set designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal, Mexico, executed in richly figured tropical hardwoods with striking marquetry inlaid playing surfaces. The folding case opens to reveal a dramatic geometric board composed of contrasting exotic woods, while the exterior displays equally beautiful striped grain, making the piece as decorative as it is functional. #5560 The interior includes recessed compartments for game accessories and retains its original turned hardwood checkers (dice, and doubling cube ar not original). Brass corner protectors, solid brass hinges, and the ingenious removable carrying handle exemplify Shoemaker's thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and utility. Whether displayed on a cocktail table, library shelf, or credenza, this is both a sophisticated game set and an exceptional example of Mexican Mid-Century Modern design. Dimensions: 21.5" W × 12.5" D × 3" H Material: Expertly handcrafted from richly figured tropical hardwoods including cocobolo and other native Mexican species, featuring a dramatic marquetry playing surface in contrasting natural wood tones. Condition: Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear consistent with decades of careful use. The richly figured tropical hardwoods retain a beautiful, warm patina, and the marquetry playing surface presents exceptionally well. Brass hardware exhibits an attractive aged finish. Includes the original hardwood checkers, dice, and doubling cube. Please note that the small retaining pin for the removable carrying handle is missing, though the handle itself is present and functional. Additionally, one of the original brass corner protectors on the handle is missing. These minor losses do not detract from the overall presentation or functionality of this scarce and highly collectible Don Shoemaker backgammon...
Wood, Rosewood
Pair of Onyx Bookends, France, 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of onyx bookends, France, 20th century. An elegant pair of bookends crafted from polished onyx, highlighting the stone's characteristic natural veining. Their clean, semi-circu...
Onyx
$960Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 1.25 in W 8 in D 8 in
60's Don S Shoemaker for Senal Carved Rosewood Tic-tac-toe Game Mexico Sculpture
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic hand made Don S. Shoemaker designed tic-tac-toe game for Senal and dates from the 1960's. Made of beautiful rosewood. Has the original artists tag on the bottom. The game i...
Wood, Rosewood
Pair Solid Brass Tennis Players Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Pair Of Large Solid Brass Tennis Players Bookends. Nice detail in casting of two players, heavy weight with substantial feel. Holds a shelves worth of books. Good condition, some lig...
Brass
$4,250 / set
H 5 in W 5 in D 5 in
20th Century Mid Century Modern Ice Block Bookends Sculptures by, Curtis Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Englewood, NJ
A scarce and rare Vintage American Mid Century Modern Pair of Ice Block bookends by, Curtis Jere. One bookend is decorated with a steel plated ice tong set onto the glass ice cube an...
Steel
Midcentury Sculptural Jacks Bookends by Bill Curry for Design Line
By Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron sculptural jacks bookends in black by Billy Curry for Design Line. Could also be used as doorstops. 1960s.
Iron
$1,825Sale Price|37% Off
H 12.5 in W 17 in D 3.25 in
Don Shoemaker Exotic Wood Inlaid Decorative Briefcase for Señal, circa 1970
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisitely crafted slim decorative briefcase designed by Don Shoemaker for Señal of Mexico. Taking advantage of the expertise provided by Mexican artisans, shoemaker founded Señal w...
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Cocobolo
Ben Seibel Bookends for Jenfred-Ware
By Ben Seibel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ben Seibel design copper plated bookends for Jenfred-Ware, U.S.A.
Copper
$1,322
H 13.39 in W 13 in D 16.93 in
Mexican Modern Leather and wood Magazine rack, Don S. Shoemaker, 1960's
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Uccle, BE
Label: Señal S.A.Hecho en Mexico. Wood and black leather mid-century modern magazine rack from the sixties. The leather has a beautiful sensual feel and is in excellent condition. T...
Leather, Walnut
Don Shoemaker Solid Cocobolo Bookends for Señal, Mexico, c.1965
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Don Shoemaker Solid Cocobolo Bookends for Señal, Mexico, c.1965.
Wood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Solid Cocobolo for Señal Bookends, Mexico, c.1965
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Don Shoemaker Solid Cocobolo for Señal Bookends, Mexico, c.1965.
Wood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Sculpted Cocobolo Rosewood Bookends for Señal Furniture
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don Shoemaker Sculpted Cocobolo Rosewood Bookends for Señal Furniture
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don S. Shoemaker Sculpted Cocobolo Bookends for Señal Furniture
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don S. Shoemaker sculpted cocobolo bookends for Señal Furniture.
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don S. Shoemaker Rosewood Bookends for Señal Furniture
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Don S. Shoemaker Rosewood Bookends for Señal Furniture
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker for Señal Bookends in Solid Cocobolo
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Don Shoemaker Bookends for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born 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...
Cocobolo
Pair of Bookends with Sapwood Figuring by Don Shoemaker for Señal
By Senal, Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of solid wood bookends by Mexican-American designer Don Shoemaker for his company, Señal. Rendered in highly figured cocobolo wood, a species of local tropical wood similar to...
Cocobolo