Adrian Pearsall
American, 1925-2011
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.
| Average Sold Price |
| $3,491 |
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Iconic Designs from Adrian Pearsall
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Gondola Sofa
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa
Wave Chaise Longue
Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table
Expertly Restored Adrian Pearsall Armless Gondola Sofa for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Medina, OH
The epitome of mid-century modern design is the Armless Gondola designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the 1960s. This specific unit has been expertly restored by Cople...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Bouclé, Cotton, Foam, Walnut
H 27.5 in W 30 in D 100 in
Set of 12 Adrian Pearsall Sculptural High Back Dining Chairs in Latte Bouclé
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Large Set of 12 Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs designed by one of the top designers of the time Adrian Pearsall. Statement...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage Walnut "Wave" Rocking Chaise Lounge by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This vintage chaise lounge is a stunning piece of furniture designed by Adrian Pearsall in the 1960s and manufactured by Craft Associates. This chaise has been refinished and reuphol...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 2466-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adrian Pearsall, Mid Century Walnut Upholstered chair for Craft Associates.
Designed and used at the height of th Mid Century, 1960:s the chair not only makes a definitive statement...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Sheepskin, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair Ottoman Set By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, model 2174-C, lounge chair and ottoman set by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features a fully upholstered, high-back, sculpted silhouette with walnut armres...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 48 in W 30.5 in D 26 in
Sculptural Mid Century Teardrop Coffee Table in Walnut by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and coveted design by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, the R1917-TGT teardrop table. Found in walnut with what looks like the original glass top although not the planter ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Walnut
1960s Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates 2832-C Lounge Chair A Pair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Bensalem, PA
Epic pair of original Adrian Pearsall 2832-c lounge chairs with original 1960s sage green tweed upholstery with oiled walnut base
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Chaise Lounge Rocker Newly Upholstered in Soft Peruvian Alpaca
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Adrian Pearsall chaise rocker is a triple crown winner with iconic Mid-Century Modern ergonomic Adrian Pearsall design, cozy comfort dressed in new ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Hide, Alpaca, Upholstery, Walnut
H 31 in W 41 in D 64 in
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More Adrian Pearsall Designs
Gondola Sofa
Average Price
$9,632
Number Available
23
Gondola Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Walnut, Upholstery
Styles
Mid Century Modern
One look at the furniture of Adrian Pearsall (1925–2011), and it’s easy to intuit that the American mid-century modern designer had a background in architecture. Although Pearsall did, in fact, earn a degree in architectural engineering from the University of Illinois in 1950, he would leave the architecture field just two years later to found his own furniture company. There, his celebrated work — such as the mid-1950s Gondola sofa — continued to retain a daring structural sensibility that n...
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa
Average Price
$24,292
Number Available
10
Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa
By Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Walnut
Styles
Mid Century Modern
The early days of Craft Associates— the furniture company founded in 1952 by Adrian Pearsall (1925–2011) — took shape in his mother-in-law’s duplex. There, the American architect and designer would build pieces while his wife, Dorie, would manage purchase orders and invoices. Even if the Pennsylvania-based operation was at first limited to the confines of an apartment, the company afforded Pearsall the opportunity to bring to life his residential furniture designs, such as his revered low-pro...
Wave Chaise Longue
Average Price
$5,529
Number Available
6
Wave Chaise Longue
By Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut, Upholstery
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table
Average Price
$3,058
Number Available
2
Adrian Pearsall Ribbon Table
By Adrian Pearsall
Materials
Wood, Glass, Oak, Walnut
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Adrian Pearsall furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Adrian Pearsall furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Adrian Pearsall furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Adrian Pearsall were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Florence Knoll, Harvey Probber, and Craft Associates. Prices for Adrian Pearsall furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $499 and can go as high as $34,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,862.
Questions About Adrian Pearsall
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022One way to identify an Adrian Pearsall is to consider the materials used. A genuine Adrian Pearsall will feature real wood, glass and metal, while imitations often use cheaper materials like composites and plastics. Pearsall didn't sign his work, so items that show his signature are unlikely to be authentic. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Adrian Pearsall, say "A-dree-an PEER-sall." Pearsall was an American architect and furniture designer. He was born on September 18, 1925, in Trumansburg, New York, and he died on September 6, 2011, in Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania. You'll find a collection of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024Yes, Adrian Pearsall designed lamps. Most of his lighting designs were floor lamps produced by the manufacturer Modeline during the 1960s. Many have not survived the years.
Pearsall is a revered mid-century modern designer. He gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Find vintage mid-century modern lighting on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Most Adrian Pearsall furniture was handmade. Although wood composites and plastics gained popularity during the period, Pearsall preferred to build his pieces from genuine wood, glass and metal. Walnut wood was one of his most commonly used materials. Shop a range of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Adrian Pearsall did not usually sign his work. One way to identify his work is to examine the materials. Pearsall only used genuine wood, glass and metal. Pieces that feature wood composites or plastics aren't genuine. His pieces reflect characteristics of the atomic style, often flaunting smooth lines, graceful curves and asymmetrical details. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Adrian Pearsall did work for Bassett, designing tables and seating. He also manufactured his own designs through his company Craft Associates. He founded his workshop in 1952 in Pennsylvania. The company exists today but no longer has an affiliation with Pearsall. Find a selection of Adrian Pearsall on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To authenticate an Adrian Pearsall sofa, focus on the frame. A genuine Pearsall piece will have a solid wood frame because the designer never used wood composites. Original upholstery tends to show off bright, solid colors. However, many authentic Adrian Pearsall sofas come reupholstered. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall sofas.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To begin to authenticate an Adrian Pearsall table, closely examine the materials. Authentic pieces will contain no plastics or composite woods, as Pearsall only worked with genuine wood, metal and glass. Also, you won't find a signature or mark on a real Adrian Pearsall table. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Adrian Pearsall tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Like other designers working in the atomic style, Adrian Pearsall typically used fabric upholstery. Generally, the upholstery was a bright color, and solids were more common than patterns. Often, Adrian Pearsall sofas and chairs being sold today do not feature original upholstery because the fabric tends to wear out before the frame. You'll find a selection of Adrian Pearsall furniture on 1stDibs.
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