Style No. VIN050426-VT-050426 — This item is Vintage!
All items are final sale. No returns, exchanges, or refunds.
DESCRIPTION
Rare 1970’s Origami Dining Table by Don S. Shoemaker in Blue
Don Shoemaker, an American furniture designer, was born in Nebraska and raised in a well-established family. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago during the 1930s, developing a strong foundation in art and design. In the late 1940s, after getting married, he traveled to Mexico on his honeymoon—a trip that would ultimately shape the course of his life and career. Captivated by the country’s landscape and culture, Shoemaker relocated there with his wife not long after. They settled in Santa María de Guido, a small town overlooking Morelia in Michoacán.
Surrounded by Mexico’s rich natural resources, he became particularly inspired by the region’s tropical hardwoods. This influence led him to begin crafting furniture using locally sourced materials. What started as a modest workshop in the late 1950s evolved into Señal S.A., a thriving operation that eventually employed over a hundred skilled artisans.
Shoemaker became an important figure in the local community, both economically and culturally, as his business contributed to the area’s growth and prosperity. He was also known for his generosity and kind spirit.
The furniture produced under Shoemaker’s direction at Señal S.A. blended modern design with traditional Mexican craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from vernacular woodworking techniques, his pieces—often made from cocobolo and other fine woods—gained a reputation for their quality and beauty. His work was distributed internationally, appearing in showrooms across cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and throughout Mexico. His designs were especially popular among affluent clients, many of whom furnished entire homes with his collections.
Shoemaker and his wife, Barbara, embraced a lifestyle closely connected to nature, cultivating rare plants and maintaining a greenhouse.
CONDITION
Good Vintage Condition, As found, See Photos for markings
DIMENSIONS
95”W x 52”D x 31”H
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*Our vintage items may have occasional wear, damage, or character flaws. Feel free to reach out to our team with any questions, comments, or concerns.*
