Adrian Pearsall Chairs
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.
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Textile, Walnut
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Mahogany, Leather
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Textile, Walnut, Fabric
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Textile, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Foam, Oak
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Chrome
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Textile, Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Hide, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Resin
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Textile, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Rosewood
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Satin, Beech
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Bentwood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Metal
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Post-Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Oak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Upholstery, Resin
Adrian Pearsall chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.