Charles Pollock Chairs
American, 1930-2013
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.
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Creator: Charles Pollock
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Louis XV Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
Giltwood
$2,450 Sale Price
30% Off
Set of Four Charles Pollock Chairs
By Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These hand crafted chairs and hand painted chairs have hand rushed seats and in fine sturdy condition.This set of four chairs are two arm chairs and two regular chairs.
Category
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
Wood
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Charles Pollock Bürostuhl Chefsessel Knoll Intenational Executive Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Bürostuhl von Knoll International aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Charles Pollock und wurde unter dem Namen "Execut...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
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Charles Pollockk Penelope Stacking or Stack Chairs
By Anonima Castelli, Charles Pollock
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 ...
Category
1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
Chrome
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.
Category
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
Metal, 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...
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Chairs
Materials
Metal
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Charles Pollock , Sei sedie mod. Penelope, Anonima Castelli, 1982
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Set di sei poltrone Penelope.
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Pollock Executive Chair Charles Pollock
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Design Chalres Pollock for Knoll manufactured by Knoll International.
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Located in BROOKLYN, NY
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Charles Pollock chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Charles Pollock chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Charles Pollock chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Charles Pollock were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by David Rowland, General Fireproofing Company, and Steelcase. Prices for Charles Pollock chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $750 and can go as high as $6,469, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,395.