Charles Pollock Black Leather and Chrome Pair of Armchairs, circa 1970
View Similar Items
Charles Pollock Black Leather and Chrome Pair of Armchairs, circa 1970
About the Item
- Creator:Charles Pollock (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 23.63 in (60 cm)Depth: 17.33 in (44 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Megeve, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU181136118993
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.
- Set 4 Charles Pollock Armchairs Designed by Charles Pollock for KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Brooklyn, NYSet of four executive armchairs design by Charles Pollock for Knoll International. These chairs are signed and dated 1977 with original fabric. All chairs are in good vintage conditi...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- 1 Knoll Pollock Executive Swivel Armchair Black LeatherBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Pasadena, TXKnoll Pollock Executive Swivel armchair black leather 1956 Design Charles Pollock’s 1965 executive chair, now considered one of Knoll’s most memorable designs, features a chrome rim that supports the chair both structurally and visually Stainless steel cap over steel armature base on casters or glides. Tufted leather with polyurethane and polyester padding over molded shell...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- 1970s Charles Pollock for Knoll Executive ChairBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Miami, FLVintage Mid-Century Modern Charles Pollock for Knoll Executive Chair. Manufactured in 1976 Features a black frame and the original plaid textil...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsAluminum, Wrought Iron
- Charles Pollock by Knoll Executive Chair, 1970sBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Germantown, MDFabulous Executive armchairs by Charles Pollock for Knoll. Each chair is comprised of brown leather seat and back with button detail, aluminum band, chrome shaft, black plastic arms,...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsChrome
On Hold$1,180 - Charles Pollock Leather Desk Chair for KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage leather desk for office chair by Charles Pollock for Knoll. In good vintage condition. All wheels work as does swivel base. Height adjusta...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Charles Pollock Leather Desk Chair by KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic Charles Pollock desk chair by Knoll. circa 1970s production executed in black leather. All screws, buttons, and wheels intact. No torn leather. Signed and guaranteed authenti...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather
