In its inaugural days, iconic mid-century modern furniture brand Craft Associates was largely the work of founder and forward-thinking designer Adrian Pearsall and his wife, Dorie. The pair assembled sexy, stylish furniture in their Pennsylvania basement that they later sold from the back of a truck to the era’s marquee department stores in Philadelphia and New York City.
The New York–born Pearsall (1925–2011) served in the Navy before earning his architectural engineering degree from the University of Illinois in 1950. He abandoned architecture after only a couple of years and turned instead to furniture design, opening Craft Associates in 1952 to sell his sophisticated living room seating, dining room furnishings and more. Flush with dynamic angles and clean lines, Pearsall’s sculptural, expressive designs — coffee tables, luxurious lounge chairs and more — helped define the style of the Atomic Age. With the help of Dorie and working in partnership with his brother Richard, Pearsall oversaw the expansion of Craft Associates into a leading employer of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with popular furniture including architecturally striking tables as well as plush beanbag chairs.
From Craft, there was Pearsall’s low-slung Gondola sofa, which embraces the sitter with its enveloping, geometrically rich form, his range of glass-topped tables — most boasting provocatively shaped wood slabs that serve as bases — as well as his skinny, high-backed upholstered walnut armchairs. Pearsall drew on his background in architecture for the organic and eye-catching structures of these pieces in addition to his larger scale work. One of his biggest projects was the complete design of his family’s 10,000-square-foot Pennsylvania home in Forty Fort, which boasted an indoor pool, sauna, tennis court and ice cream bar.
After growing his business to 800 employees, Pearsall sold Craft Associates in 1968 to Lane Furniture, which continued producing his pieces into the late 1970s before halting production. With business partner John Graham, Pearsall established a new company, Comfort Designs, in the 1970s, while also devoting time to his lifelong hobbies of sailing and restoring classic yachts.
A company called New Craft Associates revived Pearsall’s brand’s name, referencing mid-century-era furniture design in its current projects while not formally associated with Pearsall or his family. Restoration Hardware has also reissued some of his Craft Associates designs, with Pearsall and his company’s distinctive furniture remaining popular statement pieces adaptable to any home.
Find a range of vintage Craft Associates furniture on 1stDibs.
Craft Associates Dining Chair, Executive Fur Dining Arm Chair, White Oak Shearli
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Executive Dining Chair In Fur is expertly handcrafted in Oak and Fur. Each chair is constructed by our talented team by hand per client. Craft Associates Furniture is pro...
Fur, Oak
Lawrence Peabody Modern Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, thick weave fabric This Lawrence Peabody modern sofa for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. This Peabody sofa is a licensed reintroduction for Craft Associates. The sofa is shown here in solid walnut and thick weave, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 31.5" (80.01cm) L 88" (223.52cm) D 30" (76.2cm) Arm height 22.25" (56.52cm) Seat height 17.5" (44.45cm) Seat width 80" (203.2cm) Seat depth 21.5" (54.61cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Fabric, Walnut
CraftAssociates Bench, Alaska Modern Upholstered Bench, Walnut
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Bench, Alaska Modern Upholstered Bench, Walnut This Alaska Modern Bench is expertly crafted and upholstered. The bench boasts hand cut high-density foam and commerci...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Craft Associates Dining Chair, Scoop Modern Dining Arm Chair, White Oak Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern Dining Arm Chair The Scoop is expertly handcrafted in Oak and leather. Each chair is constructed by our talented team by hand per client. Craft Associates Furniture is proud...
Leather, Oak
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 812-CR Mid Century Walnut Rocking Lounge Chair This rocking chair measures: 26 wide x 32 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates High Back Side Chair or Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern high back lounge chair, club chair, or side chair By Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut base, with upholster...
Upholstery, Walnut
Craft Associates Highback Chairs, Peabody Leather High Back Chairs, Modern
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft Associates Highback Chairs, Peabody Leather High Back Chairs, Modern This Lawrence Peabody high back chair P-1714 for Craft Ass...
Leather, Walnut
CraftAssociates Lounge Chair, Vancouver Modern Lounge Chair, White and Walnut
By Addison Jones, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Lounge Chair, Vancouver Modern Lounge Chair, White and Walnut This Vancouver Modern Lounge Chair for Craft Associates® Furniture are expertly crafted and upholstered...
Velvet, Walnut
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Chair, Peabody Walnut Occasional Chair, Leather This Lawrence Peabody walnut occasional chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered with leather. These Peabody cha...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
$3,750 / item
Modern Dining Chair Barricas Series
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Modern Furniture Period/Model: Modern Specs: Oak, Fabric Condition Modern Dining Chair "Barricas Series" for Craft As...
Fabric, Oak
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Lawrence Peabody Walnut Dining Chair
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Lawrence Peabody Walnut Dining Chair These Lawrence Peabody Dining Arm Chairs in walnut for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly hand crafted and u...
Wood, Walnut
$3,300Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of Four Dining Side Chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by iconic mid-century modernist Adrian Pearsall and produced by Craft Associates in the 1960s, this elegant set of four (4) high-back side chairs (Model 2051-C) showcases th...
Fabric, Wood
CraftAssociates Armchairs, Peabody Modern Cane Back Armchairs, Walnut, Caneback
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Armchairs, Peabody Modern Cane Back Armchairs, Walnut, Caneback These Lawrence Peabody modern cane back arm chairs for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are a licensed reintroduction for Craft Associates. The chairs are shown here in solid walnut and leather, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to Craft a product that will Stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We Stand 100% behind our product. Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, cane, leather Dimensions: H 32" (81.28cm) W 24" (60.96cm) D 26.25" (66.68cm) Arm height 22.5" (57.15cm) Seat height 16" (40.64cm) Seat width 21" (53.34cm) Seat depth 20" (50.8cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Leather, Walnut
CraftAssociates Lounge Chairs, Cloud Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Walnut
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Lounge Chairs, Cloud Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Walnut These modern lounge chairs are expertly crafted and upholstered. Each chair boasts hand cut foam and hi...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall for Craft Assoc. Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates (2174C). This set has been fastidiously restored (re...
Upholstery, Wood
Lawrence Peabody Danish Sofa for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Modern Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, high grade commercial fabric This Lawrence Peabody Danish Sofa P-1713 for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. This Lawrence Peabody sofa...
Linen, Walnut
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Lounge Chair, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural lounge chair designed by American architect and furniture designer Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, dating from circa 1968. Pearsall (1925–2011) is celebra...
Walnut, Fabric
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Gordon Modern Walnut Dining Chairs, Leather
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Gordon Modern Walnut Dining Chairs, Leather Modern dining chairs, 1901 for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly handcrafted. Each chair base is con...
Leather, Ziricote
Peabody Modern Club Chairs for Craft Associates, leather, black, walnut
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather This Lawrence Peabody lounge chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. The chair is shown here in solid ziricote and velvet, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 30.5" (77.47cm) W 29.5" (74.93cm) D 32" (81.28cm) Seat height 17.5" (44.45cm) Seat width 19" (48.26cm) Seat depth 22" (55.88cm). "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Leather, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Dining Chairs for Craft Associates
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody dining chairs for Craft Associates - quick ship. All show samples are in excellent condition. This set includes four side chairs and six armchairs in high grade leat...
Leather, Walnut
Craft Associates Dining Chair, Milo Baughman Highback Arch Side Chair, White Oak
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
The Milo Baughman Highback Arch Dining Side Chair for Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly crafted. The chairs are shown here in solid Oak and leather, but each is hand built and ...
Leather, Oak
Lawrence Peabody Dining Chairs P-1708, Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, leather These Lawrence Peabody dining armchairs P-1708 are expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. Chairs are solid walnut with each frame hand steamed and bent. The price includes our standard leather seat. Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. dimensions H: 29.5" (74.93cm) W: 23.75" (60.325cm) D: 21" (53.34cm) Seat Height: 18" (45.72cm) Seat Width: 19" (48.26cm) Seat Depth: 17.5" (44.45cm) Arm Height: 27" (68.58cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 history Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Leather, Walnut
CraftAssociates Lounge Chair, Modern Lounge Chair, Leather and Walnut, Peabody
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates lounge chair, Modern lounge chair, leather and walnut, peabody This Lawrence Peabody high back chair P-1714 for craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. Each chair boasts hand cut high-density foam and commercial grade fabric. The chair's frame and base are constructed from hardwood by hand, not machine. The walnut base is then shaped by artisans and finished with a hand applied oil OR commercial grade finish. Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid Century Modern Specs: Walnut, Commercial Grade Fabric (7 Yards) **Please note, if the fabric has a repeating pattern, extra fabric is required** history Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Restored Adrian Pearsall For Craft Associates 2056-C Highback Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This commanding high-back chair, part of Adrian Pearsall’s visionary 2056-C line for Craft Associates, epitomizes the fusion of modernist clarity with architectural drama. From the m...
Upholstery, Walnut
CraftAssociates Dining Chair, Craft Executive Side Dining Chair, Oak Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Craft Executive Side Chair is expertly handcrafted in Oak and leather. Each chair is constructed by our talented team by hand per client. Craft Associates Furniture is pr...
Leather, Oak
CraftAssociates Dining Chair, Craft Scoop Dining Side Chair, White Oak Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
The Craft Scoop Dining Side Chair is expertly handcrafted in Oak and leather. Each chair is constructed by our talented team by hand per client. Craft Associates Furniture is ...
Leather, Oak
Newly Upholstered Adrian Pearsall High Back Lounge Chair craft associatesq
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Charleston, SC
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Slim Jim High-Back Lounge Chair There's an unmistakable sinister look this Mid-century modern Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 2056-C lounge cha...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Lawrence Peabody, Craft Assoc. Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates
Located in Esperance, NY
Mid-century Lawrence Peabody - Craft Assoc. lounge chair.
Walnut
CraftAssociates Lounge Chair, Cawtaba Modern Lounge Chair, Black and Thick Weave
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Lounge Chair, Cawtaba Modern Lounge Chair, Black and Thick Weave This Catawba Modern Lounge Chair is expertly crafted and upholstered. Each chair boasts hand cut hig...
Fabric, Oak
Lawrence Peabody Bracket Back Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, thick weave fabric This Lawrence Peabody bracket back loun...
Fabric, Walnut
Lawrence Peabody Modern White Dining Chairs for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody modern white dining chairs for Craft Associates furniture These Lawrence Peabody modern white dining chairs for Craft As...
Maple
Price Upon Request
Pair of Cloud Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of iconic cloud lounge chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates and ready for restoration with COM. A matching cloud sofa is also available for purchase separat...
Walnut
Price Upon Request
John Risley Duyan Chair for Craft Associates Furniture
By John Risley, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
John Risley Duyan chair for Craft Associates Furniture. This John Risley Duyan chair for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly crafted by artisan...
Metal
Price Upon Request
Lawrence Peabody Danish Lounge Chair for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Lawrence Peabody Danish Lounge Chair for Craft Associates Furniture Lawrence Peabody Danish Lounge Chair for Craft Associates Fur...
Walnut
Lawrence Peabody High Back Lounge Chair P-1714 for Craft Associates Furniture
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Lawrence Peabody High Back Lounge Chair - P-1714 - Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly hand crafted and upholstered. This Peabody chair is licensed reintroduction for Craft...
Fabric, Walnut