Adjustable Desk Office Chair by Charles Pollock
About the Item
- Creator:Charles Pollock (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.83 in (91 cm)Width: 24.41 in (62 cm)Depth: 25.99 in (66 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:unknown
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brussels , BE
- Reference Number:Seller: 3753578 Dietrich1stDibs: LU6055239089022
Charles Pollock
Charles Pollock was a renowned but reclusive furniture designer. He rarely spoke to the media and instead preferred to let his iconic designs speak for themselves. Pollock’s name is ubiquitous with mid-century modern office furniture — while vintage furniture obsessives know the office chairs he made for Knoll, he designed armchairs and lounge chairs for domestic interiors as well.
Pollock was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1930. When his family moved to Michigan, he attended Detroit's Cass Technical High School, whose alumni includes artist-designer Harry Bertoia. For his extraordinary work at Cass, Pollock earned a full scholarship to Pratt Institute in New York City.
Industrial designer Lucia DeRespinis had been a classmate of Pollock’s at Pratt and got a job in architect George Nelson’s studio after graduation. Nelson, the design director at legendary mid-century furniture manufacturer Herman Miller, was always looking for new design talent. DeRespinis was struck by Pollock’s sculptures at Pratt and recommended Nelson hire him. Pollock, who had been working for Donald Deskey’s firm, took a job with Nelson and helped create the Swag Leg armchair (a full Swag Leg collection debuted at Herman Miller in the late 1950s). Soon afteward, Pollock opened his own studio and shared his portfolio with pioneering designer Florence Knoll at the modernist behemoth she cofounded with her husband Hans.
Pollock’s 657 Sling chair for Knoll debuted in 1960 and earned him a substantial contract with the brand. This paved the way for his most famous design: the Executive chair. Introduced in 1963, the Executive chair became one of the best-selling and most recognizable office chairs in history. Pollock devoted five years to perfecting the seat, and his patented rim technology allowed for simple assembly, which contributed to its success and popularity.
Pollock later returned to sculpting and explored other pursuits but never stopped designing furniture. In 1982, he created the Penelope chair for the Italian furniture maker Castelli. At 82 years of age, Pollock was commissioned by American manufacturer Bernhardt Design to create the CP Lounge chair, which was launched at the London Design Festival 2012. Pollock died a short while later, in 2013, but his seating is still produced by Bernhardt Design today.
Pollock received much acclaim throughout his career. He earned several awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and Pratt Institute's Rowena Reed Kostellow Award for outstanding work in industrial design. His Executive chair has been exhibited at museums around the world, including the Louvre Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Charles Pollock seating and other furniture today.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brussels , Belgium
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
More From This Seller
View AllMid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Plexiglass
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Glass
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Wood
You May Also Like
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Other
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
