Adrian Pearsall Wingback Lounges for Craft Associates, Model 2291-C
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Adrian Pearsall Wingback Lounges for Craft Associates, Model 2291-C
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Westport, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: SM13141stDibs: LU92897421813
Adrian Pearsall
Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American furniture of the 1950s and ’60s. For verve and vivacity of form, he surpasses even Vladimir Kagan — whose work is the emblem of swinging, sexy mid-20th century modernism. Pearsall gave his imagination free rein, and his flamboyant, eye-catching styles are icons of what has become known as “Atomic Age” design.
Pearsall studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates, in 1952, and that training shows in many designs. A Pearsall trademark, for example, is a lounge chair with an exceptionally tall, trapezoidal back, which give the pieces a skyscraper-like silhouette. Pearsall also had a talent for so-called Gondola sofas — long, low-slung pieces with upswept ends. Many of Pearsall’s sofas and chairs are supported not by legs, but on gently arced walnut skids.
Pearsall also had a gift for tables, in particular glass-topped side tables and coffee tables with frames that have the look of an Alexander Calder stabile. As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Adrian Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Craft Associates
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 for Craft Associates Cloud Lounge in Mohair, Model 1415By Adrian PearsallLocated in Westport, CTRare low and wide profile, lounge chair designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Extremely comfortable! Perhaps one of Adrian's best designs. Completely restored with all in...Category
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- Set of Satellite Lounges by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. C. 1960sBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Westport, CTAdrian Pearsall Satellite Chairs—a mid-century classic originally designed in the 1950s. With a low profile and eye-catching design, these chairs effortlessly blend comfort and style...Category
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- Dining Set by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1950sBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Westport, CTCompass dining table, paired with Model 1404-C chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950s. The sculptural walnut frame of the table has been fully restored,...Category
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- Set of Slipper Chairs by Adrian Pearsall in Navy Mohair, 1950sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Westport, CTSculptural set of slipper chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1950s. Walnut bases fully restored, reupholstered in na...Category
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- Low Profile Lounge Chair in Navy Alpaca Velvet by Adrian Pearsall, C. 1950sBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Westport, CTA meticulously restored low profile chair by Adrian Pearsall. Fully revived to its original splendor, this chair boasts impeccable navy blue alpaca velvet upholstery, reflecting both...Category
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- Semicircular Two Piece Sectional by Adrian Pearsall, 1950sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Westport, CTMid-Century Modern Semi-Circular Sectional by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, a remarkable piece that beautifully captures the essence of mid-century design. Meticulously resto...Category
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- SOLD 04/26/24Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM 2291-C Walnut Lounge ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century 2291-C Walnut Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 27.5 wide x 31 deep x 31.75 high, with a seat height of 12.5 (at frame) and a...Category
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- Pair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut Lounge Chairs, 1960'sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Bainbridge, NYPair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Inc. highback walnut lounge armchairs. Featuring an ergonomic, organic modern design in solid American Black Walnut with newer Burgundy a...Category
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- Pair of Adrian Pearsall "Slim Jim" Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates, 1960sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Hamburg, PAA modernist pair of Adrian Pearsall "Slim Jim" chairs model no. #1865-C from the Pearsall Catalog. This pair of dramatic chairs would look great in any modern...Category
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- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Lounge ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates lounge chair This chair measures: 24.25 wide x 23.5 deep x 25.75 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 21.5 inches All ...Category
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- Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair by Craft Associates, 2406By Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Wilmington, DEOffered is a vintage sculptural lounge chair, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates (#2406-C). Features a walnut base with u...Category
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