Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
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
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist Étagère Bookcase Shelving
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wayne, NJ
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Etagere with smoked glass shelving. The highly decorated resin surfaces are similar to Paul Evans Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Series studio p...
Category
1970s American Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
Materials
Glass
$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul Evans Style Brutalist Étagère by Adrian Pearsall w/ Decorative Resin Relief
By Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970's Brutalist Étagère by Adrian Pearsall with new smoked glass shelves and detailed resin frame. In original condition, with visible wear, includi...
Category
1970s Dutch Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
Materials
Smoked Glass, Resin
Unusual and Rare Pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Etageres
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual and rare pair of Adrian Pearsall Brutalist etageres. Very hard to find one but to have a pair-oh my. Please see our huge selection of other p...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Resin
$14,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Rare Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Three-Piece Wall Unit Bar Stereo Cabinet Speakers
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Extremely rare Adrian Pearsall three-piece wall unit bar with built in speakers. This is probably the only one of these wall units ever produced and was custom-made for the customer....
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
Materials
Glass, Resin, Wood
$20,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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Adrian Pearsall bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Adrian Pearsall bookcases 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 bookcases, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases by Adrian Pearsall were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookcases by Charles Hollis Jones, Wim Rietveld, and Paul Evans. Prices for Adrian Pearsall bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,750 and can go as high as $25,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $18,000.
Creators Similar to Adrian Pearsall
Questions About Adrian Pearsall Bookcases
- 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, 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 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, 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, 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.