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Adrian Pearsall Seating

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
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Back Tufted Sculpted Walnut Base Lounge Chair
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Back Tufted Sculpted Walnut Base Lounge Chair

Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Back Tufted Sculpted Walnut Base Lounge Chair

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fabulous pair of Adrian Pearsall tufted tall back lounge chairs. These are quite rare with the sculpted walnut bases and these have been totally restored to better than new condition...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Magnificent Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Tufted Sculptural Walnut Scoop Chairs
Magnificent Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Tufted Sculptural Walnut Scoop Chairs

Magnificent Pair of Adrian Pearsall Tall Tufted Sculptural Walnut Scoop Chairs

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Magnificent pair of restored Adrian Pearsall tufted sculptural walnut scoop chairs. These rare chairs have been reupholstered in the most glorious jewelled tone purple velvet and loo...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Vintage Sculptural Adrian Pearsall Armchair / Craft Associates
Vintage Sculptural Adrian Pearsall Armchair / Craft Associates

Vintage Sculptural Adrian Pearsall Armchair / Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Sculptural Adrian Pearsall Armchair / Craft Associates Some wear to the original finish. I will apply some basic scratch remover to clean up. Upholstery is original and will...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Fantastic Set Four Adrian Pearsall Lacquered Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern
Fantastic Set Four Adrian Pearsall Lacquered Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern

Fantastic Set Four Adrian Pearsall Lacquered Dining Chairs Mid-Century Modern

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning set of four Adrian Pearsall black lacquered dining chairs. These chairs retain their original black lacquered finish in very nice condition-very rare color. Also the white f...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern

Pair of Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fantastic 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

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1960s Adrian Pearsall Coconut Lounge Chair On Walnut Base Original Upholstery
1960s Adrian Pearsall Coconut Lounge Chair On Walnut Base Original Upholstery

1960s Adrian Pearsall Coconut Lounge Chair On Walnut Base Original Upholstery

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Monrovia, CA

Original 1960s Adrian Pearsall Coconut Wedge Chair On A Walnut Base With Its Original 1960s Upholstery. The Upholstery Is In Excellent Vintage Condition. This Unique Coconut Shape S...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Adrian Pearsall Model 1209-C Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman for Craft Associates
Adrian Pearsall Model 1209-C Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman for Craft Associates

Adrian Pearsall Model 1209-C Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman for Craft Associates

By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dimensions: 29in H x 29in W x 34in D Seat Height: 16.50in Ottoman: 15in H x 26in W x 22in D Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing _____...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut, Webbing

Pair of Cloud Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall
Pair of Cloud Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall

Pair of Cloud Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in San Francisco, CA

A pair of iconic cloud lounge chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates and ready for restoration with COM. A matching cloud sofa is also available for purchase separat...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Adrian Pearsall Seating

Materials

Walnut

Adrian Pearsall seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of resin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Adrian Pearsall seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Dunbar, Craft Associates, and Thayer Coggin. Prices for Adrian Pearsall seating 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 $5,825.

Questions About Adrian Pearsall Seating

  • 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
    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, 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, 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.