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.
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
Executive Armchair 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. Chair is comprised of a black leather seat and back with button detail, aluminum band, c...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Single Executive Chair
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, 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
Penelope Chair by Charles Pollock for Anonima Castelli
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
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
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
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
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
Pair of 657 Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
4 Executive Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
2er Set Charles Pollock Executive chair Sessel Knoll Intenational
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
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
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
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
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
$2,371Sale 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
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
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
$1,359Sale 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
$2,082Sale 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
Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
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
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
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
$1,400 / set
H 33.25 in W 26.25 in D 28.25 in
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
$1,800 / item
H 33 in W 27 in D 27 in
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
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
$3,676 / 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
$3,676 / 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
Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Dining Desk Arm Chair
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Bentwood, Cane
$3,299 / set
H 31 in W 26 in D 24.5 in
1960's Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Burbank, CA
Pair of authentic vintage Midcentury Modern armchairs for sale. These date back to the 1960's, and have been professionally reupholstered in new fabric and foam. They have a fibergla...
Stainless Steel
Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
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
$950
H 31.5 in W 26.25 in D 28.25 in
1987 Charles Pollock for Knoll Desk Chair in Blue Grey Leather 1x Available
By 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 1987. Their design features an aluminum frame, and has a padded sea...
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 28.28 in
Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs
By Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of vintage 1979 Executive Chairs designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. The chairs come in their original burnt orange upholstery, a perfect mid-century modern color! It is trul...
Stainless Steel
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 Knoll, George Nelson, Charles Pollock
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 Charles Pollock, Knoll
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 Charles Pollock, Knoll
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 Knoll, Charles Pollock
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 Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
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 Charles Pollock, Knoll
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 Charles Pollock, Knoll
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