John Dickinson Prototype African Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco 1975

John Dickinson – Prototype “African” Table from the Firehouse, San Francisco 1975

Hand-carved and painted wood.

Dimensions: 19 h × 36 dia in (48 × 91 cm)

This rare prototype table by celebrated American designer John Dickinson once anchored the seating area in Dickinson’s legendary Firehouse residence in San Francisco, where he frequently entertained guests. Hand-carved from wood and finished in painted surface treatment characteristic of Dickinson’s sculptural furniture, the table exemplifies his ability to transform traditional forms into bold, expressive design statements.

In 1965, Dickinson purchased an 1893 firehouse in Pacific Heights and gradually transformed the space into one of the most celebrated interiors of the 20th century. Over the following two decades, he reworked the architecture and furnished the home with an eclectic mix of antiques, global influences, and his own groundbreaking designs. The Firehouse became one of the most widely published interiors of its era.

This table is illustrated in situ in The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration by Skurka (p. 156), documenting its placement within the Firehouse interior.

Provenance:Acquired from a lifelong friend of John Dickinson. Accompanied by a letter confirming complete provenance.

Dickinson’s work is renowned for elevating everyday forms into sculptural objects—an approach often described as “making the ordinary extraordinary.” This prototype table represents an important surviving example connected directly to his personal residence and creative environment.