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.
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
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
Set of 4 Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock Knoll Black Leather Executive Chairs
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
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
$6,746Sale Price / item|25% Off
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
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Charles Pollock
Located in Grenoble, FR
Charles Pollock Pair of Lounge Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Pair of armchairs from the 60s by Charles Pollock in leather and chrome. cracking on the leather of the seat cushio...
Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs "657" Charles Pollock Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
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
1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Single Executive Chair
By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Single vintage 1979 Executive Chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. The chair comes in its original burnt orange upholstery, a perfect mid-century modern color! It is truly a ...
Stainless Steel
$2,367Sale 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
$2,078Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage Mid-century Fabric Desk Chairs by Charles Pollock for Comforto
By Charles Pollock, Comforto
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
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
$19,871Sale Price / set|25% Off
12 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
8 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
$1,366Sale Price|33% Off
Italian Eames style Swivel Arm Chair Charles Pollock for Comforto Orange Fabric
By Charles Pollock, Comforto
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
$10,121Sale Price / set|25% Off
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
$16,871Sale Price / set|25% Off
10 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
Black & Chrome Plated Metal Penelope Armchair by C. Pollock for A. Castelli, 80s
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Chair with chromed metal, plastic structure and metal mesh shell. Very good condition. Available total 3 items.
Metal, Chrome, Wire
Sold|$3,758
H 32.49 in W 26.38 in D 28.15 in
VINTAGE UNIQUE CHARLES POLLOCK KNOLL RESTORED BROWN LEATHER OFFICE CHAiR
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original vintage fully restored hand dyed Cigar Brown leather Charles Pollock Knoll Inc Executive offic...
Chrome
$1,845
H 31.11 in W 23.63 in D 28.55 in
ViNTAGE UNIQUE CHARLES POLLOCK FOR KNOLL BROWN LEATHER OFFICE ARMCHAIR
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original vintage lightly restored Brown leather Charles Pollock Knoll Inc Executive office armch...
Chrome
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
Valmont Arm Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic French 1940s Style Club Chairs. Large scale with a deep seat . Ideal to lounge with a large arm you can use as a side table for your lab top or magazine. The chairs have a ch...
Upholstery
Knoll Pollock Executive Chair in Brown Leather
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century office chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. The frame is heavy and sturdy and features black plastic with polished metal. The seat is upholstered in brown...
Metal
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
$3,669 / set
H 29.14 in W 26.78 in D 33.47 in
Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s, Set of 2
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Alky chairs in original orange fabric. Seat height: 38cm. Castelli labels. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
$3,669 / set
H 29.14 in W 26.78 in D 33.47 in
Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli, 1970s, Set of 2
By Giancarlo Piretti, Anonima Castelli
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Alky chairs in original orange fabric. Seat height: 38cm. Castelli labels. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
Black Leather Knoll Desk Chair designed by Charles Pollock
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
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
$6,923 / set
H 28.75 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
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
$1,006 / item
H 37.41 in W 27.56 in D 25.2 in
Very Comfortable Office Chair by Charles Pollock for Comforto, 1960s
By Charles Pollock, Comforto
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
Sold
H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in
20th Century Italian Set Of Four Black & Chrome "Penelope" Armchairs, Castelli
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Charles Pollock
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A set of four Penelope armchairs, designed by the acclaimed Charles Pollock for A. Castelli in the 1980s. These chairs exemplify the sleek, modern elegance of Italian design. The cha...
Metal
Leather armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Charles Pollock
Located in PARIS, FR
Leather armchair designed by Charles Pollock (1930-2013), produced by Knoll in the 1960s. The seat and back are in brown leather, while the base is made of chrome-plated steel and bl...
Leather
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs
By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Sold as a st of (4) . Unfortunately, the FMV team doesn't have the time to restore these iconic chairs, so this is a great opportunity to get a set for pennies on the dollar. They...
Stainless Steel
Pair Mid Century Modern Charles Pollock for Knoll Lounge Armchairs
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in San Diego, CA
A very good-looking pair of Armchairs designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll circa the 1970's, some wear on the chrome as shown also a bit of tear on the side cushion as shown these s...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 25.99 in
1 (of 2) 657 leather sling Chairs designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
One of two 1960ies Knoll International 657 Sling Leather Chairs. Price per chair, two chairs available. Designed by Charles Pollock, manufactured...
Steel, Chrome, Aluminum
1960s Charles Pollock Armchair "Sling Chair" Model 657
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Oakland, CA
The Charles Pollock "Sling Chair" or Model 657, designed in 1960 and produced from 1964 to 1979 by Knoll. Created out of a leather sling, seat cushion, cas...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob
By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Original red tweed Charles Pollock for knoll executive chair. The original red fabric is in outstanding condition. Our restoration team has steam cleaned rendering the color is more ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31.11 in W 25.99 in D 27.56 in
Set of 12 Executive "Pollock" Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll, USA, 1963
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Hellouw, NL
These 12 executive chairs are a true classic hailing from the illustrious stable of manufacturer Knoll, designed in 1963 by the American designer Charles Pollock. An absolute master ...
Aluminum
Charles Pollock for William Switzer Danish Arm Chair, 2010s
By Charles Pollock
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Charles Pollock For William Switzer Danish Arm Chair Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Brand: William Switzer Designer: Charles Pollock Period: 2010s Place of Ori...
Wood
Charles Pollock Armchair for Knoll 1970s
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in PARIS, FR
Charles Pollock beige leather vintage office chair, Knoll international 1970s edition. Leather in excellent condition. Some traces of oxidation on the chromed metal base.
Metal
Executive Armchair Design Charles Pollock for Knoll, 1960s
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in taranto, IT
Iconic executive office chair designed in 1962 by charles pollock for knoll. Sturdy and solid structure, weighs just under 20 kilos, upholstered in brown fabric. Very good cond...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Knoll Pollock Executive Leather Arm Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Knoll Pollock executive brown leather armchair. In very good condition. Dimensions: 26.5"W x 27"D x 31.5"H arm height: 25" seat height: 18" seat depth: 18".
Leather