Gorgeous Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Rocker, Mid-Century Modern
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)Depth: 36 in (91.44 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s-1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. This piece is in very nice condition with only some minor dings and scratches-normal age related wear and tear. The solid walnut frame is tight and sturdy. The upholstery and foam are new and in in great condition.
- Seller Location:Pemberton, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U1210149432107
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Pemberton, NJ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Wonderful Adrian Pearsall Curved Wave Chaise Lounge Rocker Mid-Century ModernBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJWonderful Adrian Pearsall curved wave chaise lounge rocker. This piece was reupholstered in the 80's and will most certainly need to be redone. Th...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Gorgeous Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge ChairBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJGorgeous completely restored Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut lounge chair. This piece has been reupholstered in a fabulous high end woven fabric called "sunset." The wood has been ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Rocking Chair for Craft Associates Mid-Century ModernBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJSpectacular Adrian Pearsall walnut rocking chair for Craft Associates. This fabulous sculptural rocker is in great restored condition. The high end woven turquoise upholstery and foa...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Sculptural Pair of Adrian Pearsall Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century ModernBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJFabulous Pair of sculptural walnut Adrian Pearsall Lounge chairs. This pair will need re-upholstery but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right? The slightly smaller...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century ModernBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJFantastic pair of Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut lounge chairs. Wonderful large-scale barrel back chairs with gorgeous sculpted solid walnut legs. The organic walnut legs criss-cross underneath and are really quite nice. I know you...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Pair Adrian Pearsall Angular Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair Mid-CenturyBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pemberton, NJSimply scrumptious pair of Adrian Pearsall angular and sculptural lounge chair. I really feel like I can not fully describe the deliciousness of this rare pair of chairs by Mr. Pears...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair, Adrian Pearsall Style, American, Chrome, 1950sBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Stamford, CTMid-Century Modern Lounge Chair, Adrian Pearsall Style, American, Chrome, 1950s In a word, Stunning. This fine example by this high end designer sits on a strong and sturdy box fra...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Mid Century Modern Sculptural Wave Chaise Lounge Rocker by Adrian Pearsall C1960By Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Port Jervis, NYFabulous Adrian Pearsall Wave Rocker Chaise Lounge Chair created in about 1960 with a walnut in case and totally reupholstered in a soft te...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Swivel Lounge Chair in the Style of Adrian PearsallBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis versatile lounge chair functions as a swivel chair or a rocking chair ensuring optimal comfort. The colorful and soft upholstery is sure to make an impression in any modern inte...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
- Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Rocker by Lee Woodard Pair AvailableBy Lee Woodward ZeiglerLocated in Port Jervis, NYLeather with a brass frame that sits on wood rockers in excellent vintage condition with some wear to the leather on the arm pads. Comfy and very sturdy. Seat heigt is 19. Price is f...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Adrian Pearsall Chaise Lounge Rocker Newly Upholstered in Soft Peruvian AlpacaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Saint Louis, MOThis Adrian Pearsall chaise rocker is a triple crown winner with iconic Mid-Century Modern ergonomic Adrian Pearsall design, cozy comfort dressed in new ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsHide, Alpaca, Upholstery, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Scandinavian Rosewood and Leather Rocker WestnofaBy Ingmar RellingLocated in Port Jervis, NYFabulous bentwood rocker in rosewood and black leather by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa. Very comfy and in excellent vintage condition with m...Category
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsRosewood, Leather