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
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 Charles Pollock, Knoll
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
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 ...
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
$4,650
H 28 in W 25 in D 26 in
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
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
$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
$26,495 / set
H 32 in W 26.5 in D 28 in
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
$2,392Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.49 in W 25.98 in D 16.29 in
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
Charles Pollock Leather Executive Desk Chair in Brown
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
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
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
$2,400
H 25.25 in W 18 in D 17 in
Charles Dudouyt Fireside Low Chair or Stool in Stained Oak with Rush Seat
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A low fireside chair (chauffeuse) or stool in stained oak attributed to Charles Duduouyt, with turned, truncated cone-shaped legs floating over rece...
Straw, Rush, Oak
$22,495 / set
H 32 in W 26.5 in D 28 in
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
$6,220 / set
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 22.45 in
Modern Aluminum Stacking Chairs Garden Chairs Dining Chairs Jorge Pensi 1980s
By Jorge Pensi
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern set of 4 chairs or garden chairs or dining chairs from aluminum by Jorge Pensi 1986-1988, Spain. The name Toledo is given from a fortress, which obtain impregnable. Produced ...
Aluminum
$2,695 / set
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 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 26.78 in
Charles Pollock Bürostuhl Chefsessel Knoll Intenational Executive Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
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...
Fabric, Plastic
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.78 in D 27.56 in
Executive Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll Black Leather & 4 Prong Base 60s
By Charles Pollock
Located in Genève, GE
Beautiful MCM (Mid-Century Modern) executive chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll. Black leather with buttons, an aluminum band, a chrome pole, first generation 4-star stainless steel ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 33.86 in W 22.05 in D 24.41 in
Charles Pollock , Sei sedie mod. Penelope, Anonima Castelli, 1982
By Charles Pollock, Anonima Castelli
Located in Rivoli, IT
Set di sei poltrone Penelope. Designed in 1982 by Charles Pollock and manufactured by Castelli in Italy. The frame of this chair is made of chrome-plated steel wire. Pollock chose fi...
Metal
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.
Wood
Pollock Executive Chair Charles Pollock
By Charles Pollock
Located in Berlin, BE
Design Chalres Pollock for Knoll manufactured by Knoll International.
Steel
Executive Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll (Two available)
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Charles pollock for Knoll office desk chair featuring navy blue leather upholstery. This executive office chair is an icon of Mid-Century Modern design and has been in continuous pro...
Metal
Executive Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll (Two available)
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Charles pollock for Knoll office desk chair featuring navy blue leather upholstery. This executive office chair is an icon of Mid-Century Modern design and has been in continuous pro...
Metal
Executive Chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Charles Pollock for Knoll office desk chair featuring brown leather upholstery. When you think of the perfect Pollock chair this one probably comes to mind. This executive office cha...
Metal
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.5 in D 28.25 in
Pair of Charles Pollock for Knoll Arm or Desk Chairs in Brown Leather & Black
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Produced by Knoll, these chairs were designed by Charles Pollock. Dated by the address on the label, these were made in the 1960s. This pair features dark brown leather and a chromed...
Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 26 in D 28 in
Pair of Charles Pollock for Knoll Mid Century Brown Leather Executive Chairs
By Charles Pollock
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A pair of executive chairs from Knoll. A gorgeous set of Charles Pollock chairs featuring a rich brown leather upholstery. These chairs are in fantastic condition. They look gorgeous...
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.5 in D 28.25 in
Pair of Charles Pollock for Knoll Arm or Desk Chairs in Brown Leather & Black
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
For your consideration: a pair of Charles Pollock for Knoll Armchairs. The chairs have dark brown leather and a black enameled outer frame and feature ovoid shaped four-star bases. A...
Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 29 in
Set of 6 Charles Pollack for Knoll Brown Leather Executive Rolling Chairs
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of 6 Charles Pollack for Knoll brown leather executive rolling chairs. An iconic and timeless design from Charles Pollack and Knoll. These rolling chairs have stayed in the hea...
Leather