Adrian Pearsall Swivel Cloud Lounges in Bouclé, circa 1950s
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Adrian Pearsall Swivel Cloud Lounges in Bouclé, circa 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Craft Associates (Manufacturer),Adrian Pearsall (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 35 in (88.9 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)Seat Height: 19 in (48.26 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:Additions or alterations made to the original: Chairs originally sat on low walnut plinth bases. We've raised the total seating height to 19" by adding 4" to the bases and fitted them with brass. Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:Westport, CT
- Reference Number:Seller: SM15761stDibs: LU928915963121
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.
- Set of Swivel Tilt Lounge Chairs by Adrian Pearsall, C. 1950sBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Westport, CTCraft Associates presents a rare find: a set of restored Adrian Pearsall swivel lounge chairs from the 1950s. Upholstered in luxurious gray boucle by Holly Hunt, these chairs swivel ...Category
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- Pair of Adrian Pearsall Attributed Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory BoucléBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Saint Louis, MOSo sculptural so fresh, this pair of 1970s modern Adrian Pearsall attributed throne swivel chairs were professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé and swivel atop walnut bases professionally refinished in a dark, contrasting wood stain. The look is modern luxe. Beautiful to admire. If you're simply looking to add "furniture art" into your space, these Adrian Pearsall attributed swivel lounge chairs check that box. Wow factor. Rare. In great condition. The chairs are also comfortable, cozy and wide enough to enjoy most lounging activities you can probably think of. Did we mention the chairs swivel 360 degrees? And ready to ship. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed alongside and currently available at our shop: Vladimir Kagan for Directional Poufs in ivory bouclé Jens Risom walnut chairs...Category
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- Pair of Adrian Pearsall Mom & Pop Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory BoucléBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Saint Louis, MOSculptural Mom & Pop swivel chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1970 freshly and professionally reupholstered in luxurious Ivory Bouclé. Furniture that's art. Arms gently slope out like a blossoming tulip. An overstuffed cushion runs down along the edge of the seat back adding a sculptural, and comfortable border to the chairs' shell. Our shop selected this beautiful ivory bouclé to add some texture, warmth and curiosity to the sloping lines. The fabric also has a high durability rating and is of the sort you're immediately drawn to feel. Soft and breathable, will keep you toasty in winter and cool in summer. These Pearsall chairs also swivel and tilt making them a great choice for lounging. The set translates easily from Organic Modern or California Modern style, to high design, modern art filled spaces. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Mom chair...Category
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- Pair of Adrian Pearsall Swivel / Tilt Lounge ChairsBy Adrian Pearsall, Comfort Designs, Inc.Located in Middlesex, NJPair of Adrian Pearsall Swivel / tilt lounge chairs.Category
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$1,400 Sale Price / set30% Off