Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Lounge Chair All Original and Two Knoll Pillows
View Similar Items
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Lounge Chair All Original and Two Knoll Pillows
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 34 in (86.36 cm)Depth: 34 in (86.36 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Hartford, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3072310886463
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 Craft Associates Lounge Chair OriginalBy Adrian PearsallLocated in West Hartford, CTIconic Pearsall chair, all original and still in magnificent shape, model 1534-C. The upholstery features a multi-stripe fabric that is still in great shape. There is a headrest at t...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsTextile, Walnut, Fabric
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Slim Jim High-Back Lounge ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in West Hartford, CTElegant, rare, coveted Pearsall Slim Jim chair. It's height, at 55", sets this chair apart from the crowd. Iconic Pearsall design throughout. I...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Iconic Slim Jim High-Back Lounge ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTNewly upholstered Pearsall Slim Jim chair, quite magnificent. Set apart by its height, 55" tall. One of Pearsall's most coveted pieces and, the...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Extra Large High-back Chair Model 2139-CBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTOne of Adrian Pearsall's larger chairs, this one is 54" tall and sits like a throne on wheels. The chair is structurally sound but will need to be reupholstered and refilled. A great...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Newly Upholstered in Ivory Boucle Fabric Swivel ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in West Hartford, CTGorgeous newly upholstered in elegant ivory boucle fabric high back swivel chair. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in PA circa 1960's. Why not own the best.Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsTextile, Bouclé, Wood, Walnut
- Midcentury Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Sofa Daybed Model 615By Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in West Hartford, CTAuthentic Adrian Pearsall pieces are some of his most dramatic creations. They also need space! Magnificent and coveted Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates daybed sofa with walnu...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Walnut
- 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
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Lounge Chair - PairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Lounge Chair - Pair Each chair measures: 28 wide x 30 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance 23 i...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Spindle Back Lounge ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century spindle back lounge chair The chair measures: 27.25 wide x 35.5 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 11.5 inches and arm height/...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair, PairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury Slim Jim Highback Lounge Chair - Pair Each chair measures: 33 wide x 29 deep x 53.5 high, with a seat heigh...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Reupholstered Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair by Craft Associates, 2406By Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Medina, OHMid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall lounge chair by Craft Associates, 2406 reupholstered using Crypton finished off-white boucle fabric, which off...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Style Mid Century Walnut Lounge ChairBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for craft associates style mid century walnut lounge chair The chair measures: 30 wide x 33 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of 18 inches and arm height of 21 in...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut