Adrian Pearsall Wing Chair for Craft Associates Model 2231-C and Ottoman
View Similar Items
Adrian Pearsall Wing Chair for Craft Associates Model 2231-C and Ottoman
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 41 in (104.14 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)Length: 41 in (104.14 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Newly upholstered and refinished wood.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU923310374771
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 Wing Chairs Model 2231-C, PairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Chicago, ILPair of Adrian Pearsall wing chairs Model 2231-C in dark green leather (high quality hide from Herman Miller which almost looks black) and wood fra...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
MaterialsWalnut, Leather
$10,360 Sale Price / set20% Off - T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Chair and OttomanBy Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-GibbingsLocated in Chicago, ILChic and rare upholstered spoon lounge chair and ottoman set designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, 1950's. The walnut frame has been lacquered in ebony and the chair ha...Category
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Bent Plywood, Chrome and Navy Leather Chair and OttomanBy Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Hersberger, Pace CollectionLocated in Chicago, ILVery rare and unidentified chair and ottoman in the style of Herman Miller's Eames chair and Richard Hersberger Pace Collection chair and ottoman. Crafted in plywood much like the Ea...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Danish Modern "Z" Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Poul JensenBy Selig, Paul JansenLocated in Chicago, ILRare opportunity to own an authentic original "Z" chair designed by Poul Jansen for Selig with matching ottoman. This set has been restored in it's original walnut frame with new str...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMohair, Walnut
- Paul McCobb Lounge ChairBy Paul McCobbLocated in Chicago, IL1950s Paul McCobb lounge chair in beautifully restored walnut and reupholstered in an Italian ivory bouclé. This chair is stunning at every angle.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBouclé, Walnut
$5,200 Sale Price20% Off - Milo Baughman Cube ChairBy Milo BaughmanLocated in Chicago, ILMid-Century Modern walnut cubed lounge chair attributed to Milo Baughman completely restored frame and upholstered in white leather.Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
$3,895
- Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates MCM 2231-C Walnut Wingback Lounge Chairs - PairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century 2231-C Walnut Wingback Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 34 wide x 29 deep x 40 high, with a seat height of 19 and ar...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates MCM Walnut Wingback Chair and OttomanBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Wingback Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 33.75 wide x 31 deep x 43 high, with a seat height of 18 inches and arm height...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- 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 Lounge ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated 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 ChairBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pasadena, TXA beautiful and pristine Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Chair. The chair features solid rosewood base and armres...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Rosewood
$2,320 Sale Price20% Off - Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' Button-Tufted Chairs for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Dallas, TXDistinctive 'Gondola' chairs exceptionally well designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the United States circa 1960s. Known for his daring designs which brought high sty...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood