Set of 4 Adrian Pearsall Walnut Dining Chairs
View Similar Items
Set of 4 Adrian Pearsall Walnut Dining Chairs
About the Item
- Creator:Craft Associates (Maker),Adrian Pearsall (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. re-upholstery recommended.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1374221899522
Adrian Pearsall
Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs. A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall also had a gift for tables, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Adrian Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Craft Associates
In its inaugural days, iconic mid-century modern furniture brand Craft Associates was largely the work of founder and forward-thinking designer Adrian Pearsall and his wife, Dorie. The pair assembled sexy, stylish furniture in their Pennsylvania basement that they later sold from the back of a truck to the era’s marquee department stores in Philadelphia and New York City.
The New York–born Pearsall (1925–2011) served in the Navy before earning his architectural engineering degree from the University of Illinois in 1950. He abandoned architecture after only a couple of years and turned instead to furniture design, opening Craft Associates in 1952 to sell his sophisticated living room seating, dining room furnishings and more. Flush with dynamic angles and clean lines, Pearsall’s sculptural, expressive designs — coffee tables, luxurious lounge chairs and more — helped define the style of the Atomic Age. With the help of Dorie and working in partnership with his brother Richard, Pearsall oversaw the expansion of Craft Associates into a leading employer of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with popular furniture including architecturally striking tables as well as plush beanbag chairs.
From Craft, there was Pearsall’s low-slung Gondola sofa, which embraces the sitter with its enveloping, geometrically rich form, his range of glass-topped tables — most boasting provocatively shaped wood slabs that serve as bases — as well as his skinny, high-backed upholstered walnut armchairs. Pearsall drew on his background in architecture for the organic and eye-catching structures of these pieces in addition to his larger scale work. One of his biggest projects was the complete design of his family’s 10,000-square-foot Pennsylvania home in Forty Fort, which boasted an indoor pool, sauna, tennis court and ice cream bar.
After growing his business to 800 employees, Pearsall sold Craft Associates in 1968 to Lane Furniture, which continued producing his pieces into the late 1970s before halting production. With business partner John Graham, Pearsall established a new company, Comfort Designs, in the 1970s, while also devoting time to his lifelong hobbies of sailing and restoring classic yachts.
A company called New Craft Associates revived Pearsall’s brand’s name, referencing mid-century-era furniture design in its current projects while not formally associated with Pearsall or his family. Restoration Hardware has also reissued some of his Craft Associates designs, with Pearsall and his company’s distinctive furniture remaining popular statement pieces adaptable to any home.
Find a range of vintage Craft Associates furniture on 1stDibs.
- Set of 6 Clifford Pascoe Mid Century Walnut Wrought Iron Dining ChairsBy Clifford PascoeLocated in Los Angeles, CAThese Clifford Pascoe dining chairs encapsulate the timeless elegance and innovative design principles of the mid-20th century. They are a harmonious fusion of organic materials and ...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining ChairsBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Los Angeles, CAGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsTeak
- Set of 6 Milo Baughman Style Chrome Dining ChairsBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is an excellent set of six dining chairs in the style of Milo Baughman. The set has been re-upholstered and the chrome polished and conditioned. Price is for the set. All items...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Set of Six Paul Frankl for Johnson "Corset" Dining ChairsBy Johnson Furniture Co., Paul FranklLocated in Los Angeles, CABeautiful set of six Paul Frankl dining chairs for Johnson Furniture. The chairs frames are made of cerused oak and are very sturdy and comfortable. Measures: 32 inches H x 23 in...Category
Vintage 1940s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Oak
- Adrian Pearsall Floating Back SofaBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Los Angeles, CABeautiful long, low, and deep, brown leather floating back sofa by Adrian Pearsall. This sofa has been newly reupholstered in high quality soft brow...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
- Set of Four Teak and Birch Danish Dining ChairsLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a great set of four Danish dining chairs is excellent condition. They feature teak backs and black vinyl seats.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsBirch, Teak
$1,250 Sale Price / set24% Off
- Set of Four Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Dining ChairsBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJFabulous set of four Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut dining chairs. The set consists of two armchairs and two side chairs. They have been reupholstered in a wonderful period appropriate nubby woven fabric in a cool turquoise. We have many Adrian Pearsall table...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall High-Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6By Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Clarksboro, NJThis listing is for a set of six Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall High-Back Dining Chairs. Featuring one arm chair, five straight chairs, newly upholstered gray fabric, and walnut ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates MCM 1613 C Walnut Highback Dining Chairs, 4By Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian pearsall for craft associates midcentury 1613-C walnut highback dining chairs - Set of 4. Each chair measures: 19 wide x 18 deep x 47.5 inches high, with a seat height/chai...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Style Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 6By Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall style mid century walnut dining chairs - set of 6 The captain's chair measures: 22 wide x 22 deep x 43.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches and arm height of 2...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Set of 6 Brutalist Dining ChairsBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Southampton, NJThe most spectacular set of Adrian Pearsall brutalist dining chairs out there. From the sculptured bases to the apple green colored fabric, so Gorgeous! These iconic pieces are time...Category
Vintage 1960s American Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsResin
$7,300 / set - Adrian Pearsall 950-C Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 4By Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall 950-C Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each armless chair measures: 21 wide x 24 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Each captains chair ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut