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Charles Pollock Lounge 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
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Charles Pollock lounge chairs are iconic pieces of mid-century modern furniture design. Designed by American industrial designer Charles Pollock, these lounge chairs showcase a combi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

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 ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

Materials

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...
Category

1970s American Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

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Incredible 1st-generation collectors examples (original production of this design) of the classic Charles Pollock 'Model 657' Armchairs for Knoll Associates, signed with Knoll Associates paper labels (see photos). This pair has beautiful cognac brown color with light attractive age. Secondly, and most importantly, these are labeled with its original Knoll Associates tags which date these towards the early few years of production before Knoll Associates changed hands to Knoll International. The labels are date stamped with Feb 16, 1971 however Knoll Associates became Knoll International in 1968 and at that time they changed the labels used in production. In addition, the address on the labels are the older 320 Park Ave which they moved from in 1970. Most likely these chairs were produced around 1968 but then later sold and shipped out in 1971. This pair of 657-armchairs are ideal for a collector who wants the 'original' production examples with all-original leather. And considering the condition of these - this pair won't last long so be sure to buy them while they are still available! These 657 leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame is made from polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat is a cognac brown cowhide suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick sling leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the sling-seats are the original Knoll Associates manufacturing stickers which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use. Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website: “I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair...
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Pair of Charles Pollock Knoll Leather on Chrome 657 Chairs
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Charles Pollock for Knoll "657" Leather Sling Chair, 1970
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Charles Pollock for Knoll "657" pair Sling chairs, 1970.
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Incredible 1st Generation (original production of this design between 1964 and 1968) collectors examples of the classic Charles Pollock Armchairs (Model 657) for Knoll Associates, signed with Knoll Associates sticker label and paper label (see photos). This pair has beautiful cognac orange color with light attractive age and patina to the leather which adds greater dimension and texture to the leather. Secondly, and most importantly, these labeled with original Knoll Associates tags which date these towards the early few years of production before Knoll Associates changed hands to Knoll International. This pair which was produced between 1964 and 1968 are ideal for a collector who wants the 'original' production examples made when Knoll first introduced this design in 1964. And considering the condition of these - this pair won't last long so buy it while it is still available! These leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame comprises polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat is a heavy cognac orange cowhide suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick cognac orange leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the sling-seats are the original Knoll Associates manufacturing stickers which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use. Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website: “I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

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Early Year '657' Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll International, Signed
By Knoll, Charles Pollock
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic pair of early year production examples of the '657' armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll International, signed with a Knoll International label under the seat cushion as seen in the photos. Rare color combination of gray and black combined with the spectacular vintage condition of this pair make these perfect for a collector or interior designer looking for the best examples of a rare and sought after classic design. These leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame comprises polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat constructed with heavy saddle leather in rare gray colorway suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick grey cowhide leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the seat is the original Knoll International manufacturing label which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use. Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website: “I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

1st Generation '657' Armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll Associates, Signed
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are seeking a pair of the classic Charles Pollock Armchairs (Model 657), these are the ones you want and here is why: First, the color combination is in our opinion, the best - while the black on black and brown on black are great as well, the classic cognac orange sling with black cushion is definitely the stand-out icon of the family. This pair has beautiful color with attractive patina to the leather which adds greater dimension and texture to the leather. Secondly, and most importantly, these labeled with original Knoll Associates tags which date these towards the early few years of production before Knoll Associates changed hands to Knoll International. This pair which was produced between 1964 and 1968 are ideal for a collector who wants the 'original' production examples made when Knoll first introduced this design in 1964. And considering the condition of these - this pair won't last long so buy it while it is still available! These leather sling armchairs perfectly blend comfort, functionality, and style. The frame comprises polished chrome steel tubing with cast aluminum, creating a sleek and subtly contrasting profile. The seat is a heavy cognac cowhide suspended on the frame which has been carefully shaped to form the back and seat sling. The thick cognac leather contrasts beautifully with the black arms, black leather seat pads and black seat supports attached to the chrome frames. Under the sling-seats are the original Knoll Associates manufacturing stickers which identify these from being in their earlier (original) production runs of this design. The leather has an attractive light patina in excellent vintage conditions. Both chairs present very well, are ideal collectors examples and are ready for immediate use. Here is a quote from Charles Pollock speaking to the design of this chair taken from Knoll's website: “I was penniless, didn’t have a car and I was making my prototypes out of plumbing that I pulled out of an old, abandoned basement. I brought all these prototypes in [to Knoll] without an appointment and pushed them off the elevator and said, ‘I want to see Florence Knoll.’ Fortunately for me, [Senior Designer] Vincent Cafiero came out just by accident, and he said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Charles Pollock.’ I had had a major article in Interiors, in a series of articles about Saarinen, Eames, and myself about three or four months before, and he had read that…. So Cafiero said, “Look, this stuff is interesting. Why don’t you take this idea and throw this other idea into it?” Eventually, between Vincent Cafiero and myself, I developed a quarter-inch scale model of a chair that was very, very similar to…the 657 chair...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Charles Pollock Lounge Chairs

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Steel, Chrome, Aluminum

Pair of Knoll Black Leather Pollock Executive Arm Chairs
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Charles Pollock lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Charles Pollock lounge 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 lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge 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 lounge chairs by Gunlocke, Conant Ball, and Salterini. Prices for Charles Pollock lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,280 and can go as high as $5,250, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,200.

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