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Adrian Pearsall Desks and Writing Tables

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
Gorgeous Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Dining Table Desk the Style of Paul Evans
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Adrian Pearsall sculptural Brutalist dining table. Gorgeous in person, this piece is also well crafted with sculpted resi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Adrian Pearsall Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Epoxy Resin

Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Gold Resin & Glass Top Dining Table
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Paul Evans
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for the table alone. The dining chairs pictured are sold separately. Craft Associates Brutalist glass top dining table. This rectangular, glass-topped table can als...
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1970s American Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Desks and Writing Tables

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Brutalist Mid Century Modern Dining Table by Adrian Pearsall c. 1970
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
For collectors and aficionados of high art furniture that inspires, this 1970s Brutalist Dining Table by Adrian Pearsall hits all the marks. Resin over wood is etched and finished in...
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1970s American Brutalist Vintage Adrian Pearsall Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Tubular Chrome & Wood by Geraldo Barros, 1970
By Geraldo de Barros
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Available today, this midcentury dining table with chrome tubular base and wood is a showstopper! The wood has been refinished, the metal cleaned up and the overall piece is in excellent condition. The table fits 4-6 people comfortably as shown in the pictures. This piece has all the fun aspects of a true bold Mid-Century Modern piece -- clean, angular swooping lines that give the piece an almost googie look that is unmistakably Mid-Century Modern. This table effortlessly flexes into any Mid-Century Modern, modern, Danish modern or contemporary environment. This piece would also look wonderful in a boho chic, chinoiserie, or Hollywood Regency styled home or office as well. This table was found in a private office in Curitiba (the capital of Parana, a southern state in Brazil) where all the furniture was from Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto. About the author: Geraldo de Barros (1923-1998) was one of the key players of the Modernist movement in Brazil in the 1950s. Originally a painter close to the European avant-garde and the Pioneer of abstract photography in Brazil in the 1940s (his works are part of the MoMa collection), Geraldo de Barros went to furniture-making in the early 1950s, seeking a more popular artform that would make his work available to a larger audience - which was more or less the IDEA behind the Bauhaus movement. In 1954, he founded the company Unilabor with a Dominican priest and skilled tradesmen. Unilabor was run by its employees and all benefits shared between them, thus becoming the first communitarian business in Modern Brazil history. Unilabor grew quickly to become one of the most important furniture companies in the country, but internal disputes led to the end of the company in 1967. In 1964, De Barros went on to found in association with Aloísio Bione another furniture design company called Hobjeto. After Unilabor, Hobjeto was a more capitalistic project but without losing his constructive characteristics. Until his retirement in 1989, de Barros designed and projected in-numerous furniture lines in this Industrial manner. He even built a personal workshop in the factory to project and create his last painting series in Formica. The furniture and the paintings are finally created using the same techniques. Literature: • Vintage ads...
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Adrian Pearsall Compass Dining Room Table Desk Writing Table Iconic Midcentury
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Original Adrian Pearsall 2179-T Walnut Compass Dining Table
By Vladimir Kagan, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
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Adrian Pearsall desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Adrian Pearsall desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by Milo Baughman, John Stuart, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Prices for Adrian Pearsall desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,950 and can go as high as $7,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,800.
Questions About Adrian Pearsall Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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 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, 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
    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, 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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