Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Reupholstered in Acid Washed Cowhid
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Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Reupholstered in Acid Washed Cowhid
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 57 in (144.78 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)Seat Height: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1970s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU150125554583
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 Mid Century Walnut Wave ChaiseBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Wave Chaise This chair measures: 37 wide x 67 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 12 inches All pieces of furniture can be...Category
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- Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise in Zebra Print Cowhide UpholsteryBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Saint Louis, MOOne look and you'll be hooked on this drop dead gorgeous Mid-Century Modern wave chaise by none other than famed designer Adrian Pearsall freshly reupholstered in rich zebra stamped ...Category
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- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Wave ChaiseBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury wave chaise. This chair measures: 38 wide x 52 deep x 30 inches hig...Category
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- Modernist Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge in original geometric fabricBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Buffalo, NYThe Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge, originating from the late 1960s early 1970s and designed for Craft Associates, Retains its truly amazing, original ,black , white and brown ge...Category
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- Vintage Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Wave Chaise LoungeBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Providence, RIThis vintage Adrian Pearsall chaise lounge has been expertly restored and reupholstered. The curved design of the chaise offers ultimate comfort and relaxation, while the sturdy wood...Category
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$3,680 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - Vintage Walnut "Wave" Rocking Chaise Lounge by Adrian PearsallBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in North Hollywood, CAThis vintage chaise lounge is a stunning piece of furniture designed by Adrian Pearsall in the 1960s and manufactured by Craft Associates. This chaise has been refinished and reuphol...Category
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