Charles Pollock was a renowned but reclusive furniture designer. He rarely spoke to the media and instead preferred to let his iconic designs speak for themselves. Pollock’s name is ubiquitous with mid-century modern office furniture — while vintage furniture obsessives know the office chairs he made for Knoll, he designed armchairs and lounge chairs for domestic interiors as well.
Pollock was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1930. When his family moved to Michigan, he attended Detroit's Cass Technical High School, whose alumni includes artist-designer Harry Bertoia. For his extraordinary work at Cass, Pollock earned a full scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York City.
Industrial designer Lucia DeRespinis had been a classmate of Pollock’s at Pratt and got a job in architect George Nelson’s studio after graduation. Nelson, the design director at legendary mid-century furniture manufacturer Herman Miller, was always looking for new design talent. DeRespinis was struck by Pollock’s sculptures at Pratt and recommended Nelson hire him. Pollock, who had been working for Donald Deskey’s firm, took a job with Nelson and helped create the Swag Leg armchair (a full Swag Leg collection debuted at Herman Miller in the late 1950s). Soon afteward, Pollock opened his own studio and shared his portfolio with pioneering designer Florence Knoll at the modernist behemoth she cofounded with her husband Hans.
Pollock’s 657 Sling chair for Knoll debuted in 1960 and earned him a substantial contract with the brand. This paved the way for his most famous design: the Executive chair. Introduced in 1963, the Executive chair became one of the best-selling and most recognizable office chairs in history. Pollock devoted five years to perfecting the seat, and his patented rim technology allowed for simple assembly, which contributed to its success and popularity.
Pollock later returned to sculpting and explored other pursuits but never stopped designing furniture. In 1982, he created the Penelope chair for the Italian furniture maker Castelli. At 82 years of age, Pollock was commissioned by American manufacturer Bernhardt Design to create the CP Lounge chair, which was launched at the London Design Festival 2012. Pollock died a short while later, in 2013, but his seating is still produced by Bernhardt Design today.
Pollock received much acclaim throughout his career. He earned several awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and Pratt Institute's Rowena Reed Kostellow Award for outstanding work in industrial design. His Executive chair has been exhibited at museums around the world, including the Louvre Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Charles Pollock seating and other furniture today.
Huge Charles Pollock for William Switzer Giltwood & Ebony Giltwood Mirror
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Charles Pollock for William Switzer Giltwood & Ebony Giltwood Full Length Mirror
Mirror, Giltwood
18th C, Style Charles Pollock for William Switzer Silver Giltwood Mirror
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
"18th C style charles pollock for William Switzer silver giltwood mirror. Additional information: Materials: giltwood, mirror, silver. Color: silver. Brand: William Switzer. D...
Giltwood
Nice Long Wall Mirror With Pine Giltwood Frame
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice modern Giltwood wall mirror which is ¾ length A very good looking and decorative mirror, it can be used in multiple locations, b...
Pine, Giltwood
1970's Hollywood Regency Giltwood Cheval Floor Mirror
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fabulous 1970's giltwood cheval mirror. Sturdy and well crafted, the mirror sits on a graceful base with ball finials and feet. It features fine trim with decorative brass corner acc...
Brass
18th Century Italian Walnut Octogonal Mirror
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A late 18th century Italian walnut octagonal mirror. Apart from minor restorations this mirror is in pristine condition and can be hanged in two directions.
Walnut
$6,400
H 57.25 in W 39.625 in D 3.5 in
18th Century Italian Silvered and Giltwood Parecloses Mirror with Sunburst Crest
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy in the 1700’s, this silvered and giltwood parecloses mirror has a large sunburst crest. The central sun is surrounded by a stylized circular cloud, with beams of...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
$813Sale Price|31% Off
H 23.63 in W 23.23 in D 5.91 in
Early 20th Century Baroque Style, Century Style Giltwood Carved Mirror
Located in Vienna, AT
Made in early 20th in Baroque style giltwood carved mirror, the shaped frame carved with floral motifs, leaves, flowers. Water gilding of polished and matte quality, with some bleedi...
Mirror, Hardwood
Grand Giltwood Mirror Having Ornate Details
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Large grand giltwood mirror with hand carved ornate details. Having beveled mirror.
Mirror
18th Century, Pair of Italian Neoclassical Carved and Giltwood Mirrors
Located in IT
18th century, pair of Italian neoclassical carved and giltwood mirrors Size H 70 x W maximum 50 x W 43.5 frame x D 3. The pair of delightful mirrors was made in south of Italy (Sicily) in the neoclassical period, towards the end of the 18th century. They are composed of a box frame, in carved wood...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
19th c. French Louis XVI Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th c. French Louis XVI Giltwood Mirror is a luxurious and elegant piece of home décor that exudes sophistication and old-world charm. The gilded wood frame and intricate elabor...
Giltwood
19th Century French Transitional Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Very nice French Transitional giltwood mirror. Nice for a narrow space. Adds a real touch of elegance. Circa 1880. 20w x 53h
Giltwood
17th Century French Renaissance Silver and Gold Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning mirror from the French Renaissance. This period was the cultural and artistic movement in France and is clearly depicted in the hand carved detailing of drapes, scrolling acanthus with religious angel...
Mirror, Giltwood
$3,826 / item
H 51.19 in W 34.26 in D 1.19 in
18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Apple Green Bamboo Michelangelo Mirror
By Porte Italia
Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT
From our Hand-Painted Furniture Collection, we are pleased to introduce you to our Apple Green Michelangelo Bamboo Mirror with Chinoiserie decor. Mirrors are a great addition to any room, creating a focal point in an entryway, living room or bedroom. The Venetian style gives sobriety and elegance to these hand-decorated art pieces of great value...
Glass, Wood
$4,950
H 48.43 in W 23.63 in D 3.15 in
French Early 18th Century Régence Vase and Birds Cresting Giltwood Mirror
Located in Berlin, DE
French Early 18th Century Régence Vase and Birds Cresting Giltwood Mirror An early 18th century Régence giltwood mirror with a rectangular plate within an arched frame adorned with ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 44 in W 32 in D 3 in
Pair of Swedish Empire Neoclassical Oval Mirrors by Charles Pollock for William
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Swedish Empire neoclassical oval mirrors by Charles Pollock for William Switzer.
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 57 in W 37 in D 6 in
Spectacular Charles Pollock Louis XV 18th Century Style Silver Giltwood Mirror
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Spectacular Charles Pollock Louis XV 18th century style silver giltwood mirror.
Giltwood