Adrian Pearsall Swivel Chair for Craft Associates, 1960s
View Similar Items
Adrian Pearsall Swivel Chair for Craft Associates, 1960s
About the Item
- Creator:Craft Associates (Manufacturer),Adrian Pearsall (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Depth: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 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:Hamburg, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 88211stDibs: LU926919297672
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.
- 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
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Dunbar, 1960By Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Hamburg, PAA comfortable and stylish Edward Wormley swivel lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar, 1960. The chair and the ottoman have tripod swivel br...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsBronze
- Pair of Leather and Stainless Steel Lounge Chairs by Brueton, 20th CenturyBy Stanley Jay Friedman, BreutonLocated in Hamburg, PAA stunning pair of "Lap Seating" lounge chairs designed by Stanley Jay Friedman for Brueton. This pair of leather club chairs would look great in any interior, Modern, Contemporary o...Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Pair of Swivel Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1990By Milo Baughman, Thayer CogginLocated in Hamburg, PAA pair of chic black and grey striped swivel chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1990s. The fabric has been newly upholstered five years ag...Category
1990s American Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Rosewood Dresser by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960sBy Arne Vodder, SibastLocated in Hamburg, PAA gorgeous rosewood Dresser by Arne Vodder for Sibast, 1960s. This Scandinavian Modern cabinet seems to be rare as it has metal legs instead of wood and there are not many on the mar...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers
MaterialsChrome
- Pair of Milo Baughman Swivel and Tilt Chairs for Thayer Coggin, 1995By Milo Baughman, Thayer CogginLocated in Hamburg, PAA lux pair of Swivel and Tilt Chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, 1995. This wonderful pair of chairs would be great in any living room or conversation area. Would lo...Category
1990s American Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- 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 Lounge Chair and Ottoman, circa 1960sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Peabody, MAA model 2406 lounge chair with ottoman by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1960s. Chair measures 31" wide x 32.5" deep x 30" high, 19" seat height. Ottoman measures 25.5"...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Oversized Havana Lounge Chair Circa 1960sBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Peabody, MAAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates “Havana” lounge chair with walnut legs on castors, circa 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSilk, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mcm Walnut Barrel Swivel Lounge ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid-century walnut barrel swivel lounge chair. This chair measures: 31 wide x 25 deep x 34 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Mid Century 2466-C Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960sBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Chino Hills, CAStep back in time with this stunning example of Mid Century Modern design - an authentic Model 2466-C Lounge Chair, conceived by the celebrated designer Adrian Pearsall. Known for hi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Bouclé, Walnut