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.
Charles Pollock for William Switzer Carolean Tufted Walnut Bench
By Charles Pollock, William Switzer
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Charles Pollock for William Switzer Carolean Tufted Walnut Bench.
Walnut
Charles Pollock for Knoll International Model 1258 Swivel Tilt Desk Chairs, 1965
By Charles Cecil Pollock, Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Pollock for Knoll International Model 1258 Swivel Tilt Desk Chairs, 1965 Iconic executive chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll International, model 1258. A hallmark of...
Chrome
Venetian Purple Palazzo Arm Chair by Charles Pollock for William Switzer
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Venetian purple palazzo arm chair by Charles Pollock for William Switzer. Additional information: Materials: Giltwood, silk Color: Purple Brand: William Switzer Designer: Charles...
Giltwood
Black Leather Knoll Desk Chair designed by Charles Pollock
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic black leather desk chair by Charles Pollock and manufactured by Knoll. Executed in black leather and steel base. No tears or missing buttons or screws. Leather in good condit...
Metal
Black Leather Knoll Desk Chair designed by Charles Pollock
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic black leather desk chair by Charles Pollock and manufactured by Knoll. Executed in black leather and steel base. No tears or missing buttons or screws. Leather in good condit...
Metal
Knoll Pollock Chair in Ocre Leather, Steel Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Charles Pollock was a master of design who's work was supported by Florence Knoll and her company, Knoll. Pollock's understanding of design was that every object has an edge and ever...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,999 / item
Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Charles Pollock for Knoll executive chair in burnt orange. This leather executive desk chair has swivel base with adjustable height. Base with all wheels in working condition...
Metal
Executive Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Timeless MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. Chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, aluminum band, c...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Charles Pollock Leather Executive Desk Chair in Brown
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Charles Pollock for Knoll leather executive chair redone in medium brown color. This executive desk chair has a swivel base with adjustable height. Swivel base with all wheel...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs "657" Charles Pollock Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of 657 chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. C1960 design signed in two places by Knoll. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Some ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Charles Pollock/Knoll Executive Chairs, Black Leather, USA
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Pollock Executive Arm Chair for Knoll. Designed in 1963 by Charles Pollock, this chair has become one of Knoll’s most recognizable and enduring ...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in Original Navy Blue, Leather, Matte Black Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Offering the classic Pollock Executive Chair in its original rare navy blue leather, black steel frame, and vintage 5-star base, in very good condition. Charles Pollock was a master...
Stainless Steel
$2,054Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage Mid-century Fabric Desk Chairs by Charles Pollock for Comforto
By Comforto, Charles Pollock
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This pair of office armchairs was designed by Charles Pollock for the German manufacturer Comforto during the 70s. The seats are made of durable brown plastic and high-quality olive-...
Fabric, Plastic
1980s Charles Pollock for Knoll Office Desk Chair in Leather and Chrome
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Iconic desk or office chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. Extremely comfortable with soft black leather. Chair sits above a four star base, with chrome and black plastic acc...
Metal
$1,850 / item
Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chairs for Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 5 1980's vintage, Charles Pollock black executive desk chair for Knoll. The ultimate ergonomic, office desk chair designed by this George Nelson apprentice, Charles Pollock. S...
Chrome
Stunning pair of Pollock Armchairs in leather by Charles Pollock for KNOLL Int.
By Charles Pollock
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Pair of Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs for Knoll – Cognac Saddle Leather & Polished Chrome (1960s) A confident blend of American modernism and refined minimalism, this pair of lounge...
Leather
$1,120Sale Price / item|20% Off
1980s Charles Pollock Executive Chairs for Knoll in grey fabric
By Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of iconic 1980s Charles Pollock Executive Chairs by The Knoll Group in grey fabric. Pair is in really good vintage condition with very minimal signs of use - some very light s...
Steel
Penelope Chair by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli
By Anonima Castelli, Charles Pollock
Located in Athens, Attiki
Penelope chair designed in 1982 by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli. Steel-wire sled base supports a seat permeable to air which consists in a steel...
Metal
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock Knoll Black Leather Executive Chairs
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Portland, OR
An authentic set of four Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock black leather Executive Arm Chairs, for Knoll International, designed in 1963. This iconic set of four original Pollak ch...
Chrome, Steel
Knoll Pollock Chair in Wheat Leather, Steel Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Charles Pollock was a master of design who's work was supported by Florence Knoll and her company, Knoll. Pollock's understanding of design was that every object has an edge and ever...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Very Comfortable Office Chair by Charles Pollock for Comforto, 1960s
By Comforto, Charles Pollock
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
12 chairs available. Very comfortable and elegant desk chairs from Comforto. Design by Charles Pollock. The classic par excellence. Measures: ...
Metal
Knoll Pollock Chair in Whiskey Leather, Steel Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Charles Pollock was a master of design who's work was supported by Florence Knoll and her company, Knoll. Pollock's understanding of design was that every object has an edge and ever...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Vintage Eero Saarinen Knoll Swivel Task Chair in Ivory Bouclé Faux Fur Set of 2
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Vintage Mid-Century Modern task chair in the style of Eero Saarinen for Knoll, newly upholstered in a soft Ivory Boucle Faux Fur fabric. Featuring a polished chrome swivel base with ...
Metal, Stainless Steel
4 x Castelli "PENELOPE" Dining Chairs By Charles Pollock Italy 1980
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Introducing a captivating set of four vintage Penelope Chairs by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli, Italy 1980. These iconic chairs exude timeless elegance and impeccable craftsma...
Metal, Chrome
Knoll Pollock Chair in Aqua Leather, Steel Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Charles Pollock was a master of design who's work was supported by Florence Knoll and her company, Knoll. Pollock's understanding of design was that every object has an edge and ever...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Pair of 657 Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Stockton, NJ
A pair of early 657 armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. This 1970's pair features chromed steel and wood frames with black leather seat and cushion. O...
Steel
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
Charles Pollock Executive Chair for Knoll, 1963
By Charles Pollock
Located in Catania, IT
1963. Charles Pollock project for Knoll. Charles Pollock challenged himself and created a chair inspired by a single line. An evergreen object that has overcome the challenge of time and continues to be part of the American company's production line, as well as being exhibited in the prestigious collections of the Louvre in Paris and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 'secret' design of the Executive Chair...
Metal
2er Set Charles Pollock Executive chair Sessel Knoll Intenational
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 2er Set Lounge Sessel vom deutschen Traditionshersteller Knoll International zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Charles Pollock und gilt heute als wa...
Steel
Dining Room Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll International 1960s
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wien, AT
The design of the Pollock Executive Chair originated in the 1960s and features what the designer described as “Rim Technology” - the use of a single aluminum band around the chair’s...
Metal, Chrome
4 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll set of 4. Each chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, al...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
1980s Charles Pollock for Knoll Executive Chair
By Charles Pollock
Located in Victoria, BC
This authentic 1980s Charles Pollock Executive Chair for Knoll exemplifies timeless design and comfort. Featuring Pollock’s signature “rim technology”—a single aluminum band encircli...
Metal
1984 Charles Pollock for Knoll Desk Chair in Black Leather and Chrome
By Charles Pollock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pollock Executive Chair, designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll in 1963. This particular example dates to 1984. The design features an aluminum frame, and has a padded seat ...
Aluminum
Charles Pollock, Set of Height Penelope Chairs in Chrome and Meshed Metal
By Charles Pollock
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Charles Pollock, set of height chairs in chrome and meshed metal. Penelope model. Edition Castelli, 1982.
Metal, Chrome
Desk Chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll, 1963
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A vintage Pollack executive chair on five leg pedestal base featuring his ‘rim technology’ of metal edge banding around the chair’s periphery s...
Aluminum
1984 Charles Pollock for Knoll Desk Chair in Charcoal Grey Fabric, 5x Available
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pollock Executive Chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll in 1963. These particular examples date to 1984. We currently have five chairs available for purchase in this ...
Aluminum
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Knoll Charles pollock Deep Navy leather tufted scoop desk chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Knoll Charles pollock Deep Navy blue almost black leather tufted scoop desk chair with Black Accents and arms. Charles Pollock Deep navy executive Leather desk chair for ...
Metal
Charles Pollock Arm Chairs by Knoll International, Italy 1970s
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Wien, AT
The Charles Pollock Chair is one of the most quietly influential designs in modern furniture design —an object defined less by ornament and more by the elegance of a single idea made...
Aluminum, Iron
Knoll Pollock Chair in Navy Blue Leather, Steel Frame
By Charles Pollock
Located in Wilton, CT
Charles Pollock was a master of design who's work was supported by Florence Knoll and her company, Knoll. Pollock's understanding of design was that every object has an edge and ever...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Set of Four "Penelope" Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli, Italy
By Charles Pollock
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A refined and architecturally expressive set of four "Penelope" armchairs, designed by Charles Randolph Pollock and produced by Anonima Castelli in Italy in the early 1980s. Conceiv...
Steel
10 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll set of 10. Each chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail,...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Set 4 Charles Pollock Armchairs Designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four executive armchairs design by Charles Pollock for Knoll International. These chairs are signed and dated 1977 with original fabric. All chairs are in good vintage conditi...
Chrome
12 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Timeless MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll set of 12. Each chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, a...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
$1,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
One Red Executive Knoll Pollock Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Pasadena, TX
First designed in 1963, Charles Pollock’s timeless design continues to be produced by Knoll in a variety of finishes. The Pollock executive chair features what the designer describ...
Metal
Charles Pollockk Penelope Stacking or Stack Chairs
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in Kansas City, MO
Charles Pollock (Pollack) for Castelli sturdy wire mesh and chromed steel stacking chairs with arms. We took each of these chairs apart and replaced the inner screws that break with ...
Chrome
Anonima Castelli Penelope Chair in Black by Charles R. Pollock, 1982
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1982, Charles Randolph Pollock created Penelope, a true design classic. The American designed a light and flexible project for Anonima Castelli. Penelope consists of a sled base i...
Steel
Anonima Castelli Penelope Chair in White by Charles R. Pollock, 1982
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1982, Charles Randolph Pollock created Penelope, a true design classic. The American designed a light and flexible project for Anonima Castelli. Penelope consists of a sled base i...
Steel
6 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll set of 6. Each chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, a...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
8 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Topeka, KS
Classic MCM (Mid-Century Modern) to Modern Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll set of 8. Each chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, alu...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Vintage Cognac Leather Pollock Executive Chair by Knoll
By Charles Pollock
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
Conceived in 1965 by the visionary designer Charles Pollock for Knoll, the Pollock Executive Chair remains one of the most celebrated achievements in mid-century modern furniture des...
Chrome
Black & Chrome Plated Metal Penelope Armchair by C. Pollock for A. Castelli, 80s
By Anonima Castelli, Charles Pollock
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Chair with chromed metal, plastic structure and metal mesh shell. Very good condition. Available total 3 items.
Metal, Chrome, Wire
$1,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 Knoll Pollock Executive Swivel Armchair Black Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Pasadena, TX
Knoll Pollock Executive Swivel armchair black leather 1956 Design Charles Pollock’s 1965 executive chair, now considered one of Knoll’s most memorable designs, features a chrome rim that supports the chair both structurally and visually Stainless steel cap over steel armature base on casters or glides. Tufted leather with polyurethane and polyester padding over molded shell...
Leather
$1,349Sale Price|33% Off
Italian Eames style Swivel Arm Chair Charles Pollock for Comforto Orange Fabric
By Comforto, Charles Pollock
Located in Markington, GB
Italian executive armchair by Charles Pollock for Comforto, stunning orange fabric swivel desk chair, This plastic / metal framed chair is in very good vintage condition, A classic c...
Metal
2014 Charles Pollock Bernhardt Design CP1 Lounge Chairs, Purple Fabric (Pair)
By Charles Pollock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of CP1 Chairs, originally designed by Charles Pollock for Bernhardt Design in 2012. These particular examples were produced in 2014. The design features a purple hand ...
Steel