Dan Johnson Studio, a Division of Arch Industries. <em>"Gazelle" Armchair</em>, designed 1956. Walnut, cane, brass, 37 11/16 x 21 x 23in. (95.7 x 53.3 x 58.4cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1989.113. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.113_bw.jpg)

Dan Johnson Studio, a Division of Arch Industries. "Gazelle" Armchair, designed 1956. Walnut, cane, brass, 37 11/16 x 21 x 23in. (95.7 x 53.3 x 58.4cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1989.113. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.113_bw.jpg)

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Can you tell me about this chair?

This is the "Gazelle" Armchair, designed by Dan Johnson Studio, a division of Arch Industries.

This chair was designed in 1956. It's made of walnut, cane, and brass.

The compound curves that form this chair were common in mid-20th century design. The caned back and seat were also hallmarks of the era.

What about the shortened arms? Was that common or unique to a few studios?

The abbreviated arms are are pretty unfamiliar to me so I would assume that they were relatively unique. It looks like Dan Johnson as well as another designer, Shelby Williams, used this "Gazelle" style of arms, so there may have been a few others.

I would guess that the idea behind the design would be to give the sitter freedom of movement with their legs, as the arms are not connected to the seat. They would still allow you to rest your elbows on though, if you had your hands in your lap, or were reading a newspaper, for example.

Thanks!

"Gazelle" Armchair

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

DESIGNER Dan Johnson Studio, a Division of Arch Industries

MEDIUM Walnut, cane, brass

Place Manufactured: Rome, Italy

DATES designed 1956

DIMENSIONS 37 11/16 x 21 x 23in. (95.7 x 53.3 x 58.4cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS Gummed paper label on back of seat, white printing on red: "MADE IN ITALY"

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 1989.113

CREDIT LINE H. Randolph Lever Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION The rear legs and stiles, carved from a single piece of wood, begin as small round feet, taper slightly, widen at seat rail and taper to fine, rounded points. Carved and rounded tapering arms extend from rear stiles. The side rails are widest at rear and narrow and arc upward towards the front seat rail, which is concave. Front legs begin as small round feet, taper slightly and widen at seat rail. Rectangular seat slopes back and narrows to a concave rear seat rail and is caned to conform to the contour of the seat frame. The trapezoidal-caned back forms a complex curve and is hung from the rear stiles by a caned circular loop secured by a nail and a caned semi-circular loop below it. CONDITION - Good. Some nicks in wood at juncture of seat and back stiles. Normal wear to feet. Original caning in excellent condition.

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

CAPTION Dan Johnson Studio, a Division of Arch Industries. "Gazelle" Armchair, designed 1956. Walnut, cane, brass, 37 11/16 x 21 x 23in. (95.7 x 53.3 x 58.4cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1989.113. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.113_bw.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 1989.113_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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