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.
Adrian Pearsall "Sculptura" Brutalist Buffet for Craft
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lynn, MA
Brutalist buffet designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft. The brutalist design is from the "Sculptura" line using sculpted resin over wood. Features four doors with interior fixed shel...
Resin
CraftAssociates Sideboard, Cambre Modern Teak Sideboard
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Sideboard, Cambre Modern Teak Sideboard This modern teak credenza from the Cambre Collection for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly crafted. The legs and door f...
Wood, Teak
CraftAssociates Credenza, Milo Baughman Credenza, Walnut
By Milo Baughman, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Credenza, Milo Baughman Credenza, Walnut The Milo Baughman Walnut Sideboard for Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly crafted. This piece can be customized in size...
Wood, Walnut
CraftAssociates Sideboard, Eiger Modern Walnut Sideboard
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Sideboard, Eiger Modern Walnut Sideboard Modern Credenza - Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly crafted. The base is constructed by hand from hard wood and not ma...
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Adrian Pearsall "Sculptura" Brutalist Buffet for Craft
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Lynn, MA
A set of brutalist buffet designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft. The brutalist design is from the "Sculptura" line using sculpted resin over wood. Features four doors with interior f...
Resin
$6,480 / item
H 31.5 in W 78.15 in D 17.72 in
Lattice Sideboard, Contemporary Modern Minimalist Slatted Wooden Two-Tone Walnut
By Fulden Topaloglu, Studio Kali
Located in Istanbul, TR
The Lattice Sideboard is a testament to the harmony between functionality and refined aesthetics. Designed with a minimalist approach, its sleek form...
Wood, Walnut
$12,995
H 48 in W 48 in D 14 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Disc Cabinet Bar This cabinet bar measures: 48 wide x 14 deep x 48 inches high Great Vintage Condition. We take our phot...
Resin, Wood
$9,500
H 39.38 in W 63 in D 18.9 in
Hand Crafted Brutalist Giuseppe Rivadossi Sideboard in Oak Italy, the 1970s
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Almelo, NL
Hand crafted Brutalist Giuseppe Rivadossi sideboard in oak Italy, the 1970s. A fantastic oak sideboard by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi featured a high leve...
Oak
$8,371
H 37.01 in W 78.75 in D 19.69 in
Guillerme & Chambron - Spirit - Buffet - Oak - 1960 - France - Brutalist
By Pierre Chapo, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Evoking the architectural language of repetition and relief, this elongated French buffet presents a tactile meditation in solid oak. Its four-panelled façade is rhythmically punctua...
Oak
1970s Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Burl Credenza
By Milo Baughman
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Extremely well cared for in its original factory finish. Cabinet is finished with Burl veneer on all sides, chrome is in perfect condition. No pitting or rust. No label present. ...
Chrome
Milo Baughman Dramatic Burled Olivewood Sideboard on Chrome Base
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your interior with this dramatic and beautifully book matched burled olivewood sideboard by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. The cabinet features four doors with two utility ...
Chrome
$4,500
H 44 in W 60.25 in D 24 in
Gustav Stickley Style Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard or Buffet Server
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mission or Arts & Crafts oak sideboard or buffet server with plate rail In the manner of Gustav Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 60.25"W x 24"D x 44"H. ...
Oak
$9,800Sale Price|30% Off
H 48 in W 48 in D 14 in
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Wall Mounted Disc Dry Bar, 1970's
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this increasingly rare, mid century modern, brutalist disc bar by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. This brutalist wall mounted disc cabinet is definitely a conversation piece-- stretching a whopping 48" in diameter, this disc dar opens to reveal a mirrored back as well as 2 shelf inserts. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and this entire brutalist line of furniture appears to have (pretty obviously) been inspired by American craft movement designer Paul Evans, who designed nearly identical pieces which were available through Directional Furniture to the trade in the 1960's and 1970's. While this piece doesn't have the pedigree of an original Paul Evans piece, what is does have is an abundance of over-the-top maximalist style with a much more palatable price tag. Without being mounted to the wall, this piece was a little tougher than an average piece to photograph, but for scale purposes we photographed it resting on the floor alongside a Fabricius and Kastholm grasshopper...
Resin, Wood
Mid Century English Modern Teak Sideboard
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century English Modern Teak Sideboard Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Top has been refinished and do...
Teak
Milo Baughman Sideboard for Glenn of California c. 1955
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Sideboard for Glenn of California, 1955 Model 1632 Restored walnut sideboard featuring a long drawer beneath a tambour-style garage door that opens and hides for maximu...
Grasscloth, Walnut
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Sideboard
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Sideboard Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Top has a couple very slight ri...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Full of Mid-Century Modern style and quality, this vintage walnut sideboard offers plenty of storage and room for organization. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall "Sculptura" Brutalist Buffet for Craft
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Lynn, MA
Brutalist buffet designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft. The brutalist design is from the "Sculptura" line using sculpted resin over wood. Features four doors with interior fixed shel...
Resin
50% Non refundable Deposit / Craft Associates Furniture Credenza
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Final payment will be due upon completion before shipping. The full cost for shipping this item will be added to the final invoice.
Walnut
Sold
H 27.25 in W 68.5 in D 17.75 in
Restored Gold Brutalist Credenza by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Paul Evans, Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
You won't find a nicer version of this Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Credenza anywhere. The FMV restoration team covets this unique line and labors with love by techniques perfected ove...
Resin, Wood
Sold
H 26.5 in W 70 in D 18 in
Adrian Pearsall Four-Door Brutalist Sideboard Cabinet, Restored, c 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 1960s brutalist credenza was designed by Adrian Pearsall and produced by Craft Associates. Featuring four doors with interior shelves for storage and a single center pull-o...
Resin, Wood
Sold
H 26.25 in W 68.5 in D 18 in
Adrian Pearsall Four-Door Brutalist Credenza or Sideboard, Restored, c 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare 1960s brutalist credenza was designed by Adrian Pearsall and produced by Craft Associates. Featuring four doors with interior shelves and pull-out drawer wrapped in his sig...
Resin, Wood
Sold
H 26.5 in W 59 in D 18.5 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates "Sculpted Bronze" Brutalist Credenza
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft associates "Sculpted Bronze" brutalist credenza The lower case of rectangular form with a lacquered top fitted with three sculpted swing doors, raised on a ...
Composition, Brass