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.
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
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
$823Sale 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
$16,900
H 75 in W 34 in D 28 in
French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Full Length Giltwood Cheval Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A very fine French 19th century Louis XVI style freestanding Cheval mirror. The oval framed mirror is surrounded with Empire style barbola gilt wreaths frame, flanked by twin support...
Mirror, Hardwood, Giltwood
$3,874 / 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
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
$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
Small Antique Giltwood French Mirror Berain Style, circa 1780
Located in Paris, FR
Small French antique mirror, late 18th century. Carved wood Berain style frame on a grooved background. Gold leaf with aged patina. Antique wood back. Antique frame measures: width 1...
Giltwood
18th century Queen Anne Shaving Mirror
Located in Savannah, GA
This very early Queen Anne style English shaving mirror features lovely burled walnut with oak lined drawers and a fancifully curved four-drawer front. The brass lock escutcheon, dec...
Brass
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
Superb Large 18th Century Louis XVI Gold Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
Dating to circa 1770, this beautiful gilt wood mirror is presented with its original mirror plate, which has foxed in the most wonderful manner, the carved wood and gilt gesso decora...
Wood
18th Century Georgian Wood Window Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally a window from an 18th-century Georgian home, this piece has been ingeniously repurposed into a mirror, maintaining its historical integrity while offering a new functional...
Mirror, Wood