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.
1970s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ash with Aluminum Frame Upholstered Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar model #979 CH, Oiled ash frame with flat Aluminum bar cross stretchers, with upholstered arms back and seat. Paper label. Upholstery and ...
Aluminum
Jacob Kjaer United Nations FN Armchair
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in St. Louis, MO
Hard to find Jacob Kjaer United Nations "FN" chair with original finish and leather. Originally designed in 1948 for the UN headquarters, New York. Original leather, does show age an...
Beech
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model 3049 with Tapered Splayed Legs
By Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb (American 1917–1969) model 3049 armchair by Custom Craft, Inc. with dowel legs shown with original black stained legs and upholstery. Price includes refinishing of legs, ...
Fabric, Birch
Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Mahogany
Winsor White & William Millington Occasional Chair for Baker Furniture Co. 1950s
By Winsor White, Baker Furniture Company, William Millington
Located in St. Louis, MO
Baker Furniture's 1954 Continental collection, by Winsor White & William Millington. Single curved arm occasional chair to be refinished and reupholstered, new foam with COM - 7 yard...
Upholstery, Walnut
Fabulous 1940s Billy Haines Style Channel Back Occasional Tub Chair - Restored
By William Billy Haines, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
1940s Billy Haines style channel back occasional tub chair, reupholstered in a mocha beige linen fabric with refinished dark mahogany legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dan Johnson for Selig Viscount Mid Century Brass and Walnut Chair This chair measures: 22.75 wide x 21 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance 26.2...
Brass
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Dan Johnson
Located in Raleigh, NC
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. Newly reupholstered in cognac leather while retaining the original espresso-finished wooden frame. The espresso finish shows authentic patina and wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age. Warm cognac leather contrasts with the aged brass arms and dark wood frame, creating a layered palette of browns and metallic tones. The Viscount chair...
Brass
Dan Johnson “Viscount” Cognac Leather and Brass Accent Armchair for Selig
By Selig, Dan Johnson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century Modern “Viscount” armchair designed by Dan Johnson for Selig in Denmark circa 1950’s. This elegant design features a newly refinished wa...
Brass
Dan Johnson Viscount Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Dan Johnson
Located in Raleigh, NC
Signature wrap-around brass arms curve continuously from back to front, creating the sculptural silhouette that defines Dan Johnson's 1950s Viscount design. Newly reupholstered in cognac leather while retaining the original espresso-finished wooden frame. The espresso finish shows authentic patina and wear consistent with a vintage piece of this age. Warm cognac leather contrasts with the aged brass arms and dark wood frame, creating a layered palette of browns and metallic tones. The Viscount chair...
Brass
Stow Davis Midcentury Walnut and Brass Lounge Chair
By Stow Davis
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Stow Davis midcentury Walnut and Brass Lounge Chair. Each chair measures: 22 wide x 24 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height of 17...
Brass
Original Knoll Antimott Sessel Vintage Design Midcentury Armchair
By Knoll Antimott
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Armlehnstuhl von Knoll Antimott aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Sessel wurde professionell überholt und aufgearbeitet und hat im Zuge...
Cherry
