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Adrian Pearsall Lighting

American, 1925-2011

Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other 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 had a gift for tables, too, 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, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.

Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Adrian Pearsall
Tinted Lucite and Wood Tótem Form Floor Lamp by Pearsall for Modeline c. 1970’s
By Adrian Pearsall, Modeline Lamp Co.
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional mid century, post modern tótem form floor lamp, designed by Adrian Pearsall, for the Modeline Lamp Company, circa 1960/70’s. The lamp features a wood base, tinted translu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Post Modern Tótem Form Table Lamp by Adrian Pearsall for Modeline
By Modeline Lamp Co., Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Chic Mid Century, Post Modern, Space Age tótem form table lamp designed by Adrian Pearsall for the Modeline Lamp Company, California circa 1960/70’s. The lamp features a wood base, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Lighting

Materials

Plastic, Lucite, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamp in the Style of Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Unique Mid-Century floor lamp with wood base and brass arms. The lamp features an almost free-floating center globe held up by three arms each decorated with rounded hourglass shapes...
Category

1950s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Lighting

Materials

Wood

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Adrian Pearsall lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Edward Wormley, L'Aviva Home, and Paul McCobb.
Questions About Adrian Pearsall Lighting
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    One 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    No, 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, 2022
    Yes, 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    Most 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, 2024
    Yes, 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, 2022
    Like 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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