Vintage Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Wave Chaise Lounge
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 38 in (96.52 cm)Depth: 52 in (132.08 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:Providence, RI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7593236448232
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Providence, RI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Milo Baughman Style Wave Chaise LoungeBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Providence, RIChaise lounge in faux leather attributed to designer Milo Baughman. Faux leather shows minor wear at corners, overall good condition. Some minor wear to the frame.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsMetal
- Large Scale "Satellite" Chaise Attributed to Milo BaughmanBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Providence, RILarge scale Milo Baughman "satellite" chair. Retains the original fabric, some minor losses. Recommended to be replaced but overall is usable. Chaise is on casters and glides on floors.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsFabric
- Large Scale Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Swivel chair with Chrome BaseBy Thayer Coggin, Milo BaughmanLocated in Providence, RIOversized large scale swivel chair designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Original upholstery is present, recommended to be replaced. Chrome base is present. Piece retains orig...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Vladimir Kagan Style Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Camel VelvetBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Providence, RISerpentine sofa attributed to the late Vladimir Kagan. Upholstery is replaced in a Camel velvet.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric
- Pair of Brass Souffle Ottomans by Karl SpringerBy Karl SpringerLocated in Providence, RISet of two ottomans attributed to Karl Springer. Brass base shows some wear. Upholstery needs to be replaced.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
MaterialsBrass
- Larry Terry Brown Ceramic Table LampLocated in Providence, RIGlobe lamp by ceramicists Larry and Terry Brown. No chips or cracks.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates, circa 1970sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in New York, NYThe Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge, originating from the 1970s and designed for Craft Associates, has recently been reupholstered using...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- 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
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- 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
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Style Mid Century Chaise LoungeBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Style Mid Century Chaise Lounge This chaise measures: 57.5 wide x 38 deep x 30.5 high, with a sea...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall Model-2026 "Cloud" Chaise Lounge for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Los Angeles, CAAdrian pearsall model-2026 "Cloud" chaise lounge for Craft Associates. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringin...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsFoam, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century 1828-C Chaise LoungeBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century 1828-C Chaise Lounge This chair measures: 41 wide x 55 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 12 inches All pieces of furniture can ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
MaterialsWood, Upholstery