Executive Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll Brown Leather with 4 Prong Base
View Similar Items
Executive Armchair by Charles Pollock for Knoll Brown Leather with 4 Prong Base
About the Item
- Creator:Knoll (Manufacturer),Charles Pollock (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Depth: 28 in (71.12 cm)Seat Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1981
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Wonderful vintage condition with some tightening of the buttons as they were a bit loose & some wear in the leather. It has a nice, aged patina. The leather was treated with lexol and the height adjustment assembly lubricated. Please see photos.
- Seller Location:Topeka, KS
- Reference Number:Seller: 414-SEA-389A1stDibs: LU1873323463792
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.
Knoll
As a company that produced many of the most famous and iconic furniture designs of the 20th century, Knoll was a chief influence in the rise of modern design in the United States. Led by Florence Knoll, the firm would draw stellar talents such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen into its compass. Their work would help change the face of the American home and office.
The company was formed in 1938 by the German immigrant Hans Knoll. He first worked with his fellow ex-pat, the Danish designer Jens Risom, who created furniture with flowing lines made of wood. While Risom served in World War II, in 1943 Knoll met his future wife, Florence Schust. She had studied and worked with eminent emigré leaders of the Bauhaus, including Mies, Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. She won Knoll over with Bauhaus notions of industrial arts, and an aesthetic that featured flat and tubular metal frames and angular forms. When Hans died in a car crash in 1955, Florence Knoll was appointed head of the company. It was as much through her holistic approach to design — a core division of the firm was dedicated to planning office systems — as Knoll's mid-century modern furnishings themselves that she brought about the sleek and efficient transformation of the American workplace.
Today, classic Knoll furnishings remain staples of modern design collections and decor. A history of modern design is written in pieces such as the elegant Barcelona chair — created by Mies and Lilly Reich — Saarinen’s pedestal Tulip chair, Breuer’s tubular steel Wassily lounge chair and the grid-patterned Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia.
As you can see from the collection of these designs and other vintage Knoll dining chairs, sofas and tables on 1stDibs, this manufacturer's offerings have become timeless emblems of the progressive spirit and sleek sophistication of the best of modernism.
- Brown Vinyl Faux Leather Pair Steelcase 451 Rolling Office Chairs Style PollockBy Steelcase, Charles Pollock, KnollLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome pair of brown vinyl faux leather MCM (a.k.a.) Mid-Century Modern style Steelcase 451 office chairs with 4 prong base on casters in ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Modern Steelcase Chrome & Red Swivel Rolling Chair #454 Style Charles PollockBy Charles Pollock, SteelcaseLocated in Topeka, KSLovely vintage modern Steelcase style #454 office chair with original red fabric, chrome arms, and chrome shaft with swivel & rolling 5 prong chrome base and created in the style of Charles Pollock for Knoll. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There is some slight fading in the fabric, otherwise it is in good shape. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. Not sure there is anything cooler than an awesome RED office chair… Unless it’s an awesome RED office chair by STEELCASE!! This gorgeous Steelcase #454 office rolling & swivel chair is made in the style of the Charles Pollock office chair for Knoll. Comprised of a bucket style swivel seat and covered in its ORIGINAL red upholstery, chrome arms with molded fabric armrests, five prong chrome base with casters, and a chrome tube shaft with swivel. Need a cool chair for your home office? Here you go! Maybe you need a new look in your den or study? You just found it. It is so comfortable and very versatile. Not to mention, it’s made by Steelcase AND in the style of Charles Pollock! Two high quality and exceedingly popular designs. It will be awesome in your mid-century modern setting or equally as nice in an industrial loft or modern country ranch home. WONDERFUL!!! Steelcase was founded as the Metal Office Furniture Company in 1912 by Peter M. Wege in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Metal Office Furniture Company's first products included fireproof metal safes and four-drawer filing cabinets which Wege invented and manufactured for the Macey Company. In 1914, the company received its first product patent for "The Victor," a fireproof steel wastebasket. The Victor gained popularity due to its light weight achieved through a patented process of bending flat steel at right angles to create boxes, and its ability to prevent fires at a time when smoking was common indoors, particularly in the workplace. In 1915, the company began manufacturing and distributing steel desks and in 1937, the company collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright on office furniture. The partnership lasted two years and resulted in some of the first modern workstations. The company officially changed its name to Steelcase, Inc. in 1954 and became known as the leader of the furniture industry in the late 1960s due to the volume of its sales and in 1973, the company debuted the Series 9000 furniture line. Steelcase merged three of its subsidiaries, Brayton International, Metro Furniture...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Modern Chrome & Brown Chenille Cantilever Chair in Style Brno by KnollBy KnollLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome vintage modern chrome & brown chenille cantilever chair in the style of Brno by Knoll. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There is some minor discoloration on the back of one chrome foot and there is some fading on the back and one side. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. Brown Chenille Chair Extraordinaire!!! This is a modern chair in the style of the Brno style for Knoll but with a modern flair. It is comprised of a sultry brown chenille fabric with button detail on both the back and seat cushions. The arms and frame are hollow straight rectangular chrome bars with decorative studs on the back bar. We say this chair is mostly modern...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage Modern Bulldog Armed Side Chairs by McCoy & Fahnstrom for Knoll Set 12By Michael McCoy, KnollLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome vintage Modern discontinued Bulldog Armed Side Chairs by Michael McCoy & Dale Fahnstrom for Knoll with black cantilever bases and blue fabric 12 total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are minor scuffs on all frames and arms. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 6/23/2000. NOTE: We are selling these chairs as a set however, if you love them and would like fewer, we may consider entertaining that request. Just let us know. Doughnuts, Roses, Cookies, Eggs, and these Awesome Knoll armchairs… Just a few things that are better by the DOZEN! That’s right! We have TWELVE of these wonderful Bulldog Armed side chairs by Knoll for you!! They were designed in 1990 by award winning designers Michael McCoy & Dale Fahnstrom and discontinued in 2009. These are labeled 6/23/2000. They are comprised of black finished steel cantilever frames with black plastic arm covers, molded plastic scoop-back seats, and they wear a fabulous blue nubby textured fabric. They have an ergonomically thought-out design, ensuring comfort and timeless style sure to withstand the hands of time. They are ready to grace your home or office with their iconic awesome-ness! Of course, they would be perfect surrounding a fabulous conference table at the office, but they would also be wonderful at a dining table in your Modern dining room, at a game table in the family room, or maybe you need extra seating for times you encounter those unexpected guests? Comfort, Style, Versatility, two AWARD WINNING designers, and they’re by Knoll… an exemplary manufacturer. These chairs have everything you’ve been looking for. As a designer, Michael McCoy is best known for his work with furniture manufacturer Knoll International. Along with Dale Fahnstrom, Fahnstrom/McCoy Design Consultants designed the 5-time award-winning Bulldog chair. The Bulldog is Knoll's best-selling office chair to date. Michael McCoy along with his wife Katherine McCoy was the recipient of the Smithsonian’s first Design Minds National Design Award. His designs include the Horizon LED Light for Humanscale with Peter Stathis, the million selling “Bulldog Chair” for Knoll and the Place Airport Seating for Arconas with Curt Fentress. He has received many international design awards for his work for Humanscale, Knoll, Philips, Steelcase and NEC including Germany’s Red Dot Award, the IDSA Gold Award, The Spark Award, London’s FX Award, the ID Magazine Best of Category, the IBD Award and The Interiors Magazine Best Office Design. He was principal in McCoy & McCoy Inc. in Colorado and Fahnstrom/McCoy Design Consultants in Chicago, he was Co-chair of the Design Department at Cranbrook Academy of Art for 23 years. His strategies for interpreting technology and information through design form have been widely published and he lectures internationally on the subject. Dale Fahnstrom graduated with a BFA and MFA in Industrial Design, in 1962 and 1965, from the University of Illinois, Champaign. Early in his career Fahnstrom was product designer for Unimark International. He co-founded the Chicago design firms Source, Inc. and Design Planning Group, and designed products for firms such as Knoll International, Philips Electronics N.V., Steelcase, Brayton International, Vecta Contract...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- MCM Mauve Hopsacking & Chrome Tubular Chairs by Peter Protzman for Herman MillerBy Peter Protzmann, Herman MillerLocated in Topeka, KSAwesome vintage Mid-Century Modern original mauve hopsacking & chrome tubular pair of chairs by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller. Beautif...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Black Torsion Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Ki Set of EightBy KI Krueger International, Giancarlo PirettiLocated in Topeka, KSExcellent set of eight black Torsion dining chairs designed by Giancarlo Piretti for KI. There are seven arm chairs and one side chair. They are in wonderful vintage condition with minor wear that you would expect with age. Please see photos, circa 1995. In 1997 Giancarlo Piretti received an award for his Torsion seating collection. These chairs are part of that collection. Designed and made initially and primarily for commercial purpose they are extremely comfortable and flexible. They are lightweight and stackable. This set has an attractive textured high impact black plastic seat, back, and arms on chrome legs. No one expects this chair have the comfort it provides. The back flexes. This flex is achieved with the torsion mechanism which creates gradually increasing resistance. They were designed for comfort during long meetings or lectures. But, that makes them perfect for long dinners with lots of conversation. Or, family night with puzzles, cards, and games. The designer, Giancarlo Piretti, was born in Bologna Italy in 1940. He attended art schools there and subsequently taught Interior Design. During that time, he was also designing furniture for Anonima Castelli. He has won numerous awards and has items in many museums including MoMA New York. He still lives and works in Bologna with is son, designer Alessandro Piretti. KI was founded in 1941 as Krueger Metal Products, Inc. in Aurora, Illinois. Being innovative by finding ways to use scrap metal...Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Executive Chair by Charles Pollock for KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in BROOKLYN, NYCharles Pollock for Knoll office desk chair featuring brown leather upholstery. When you think of the perfect Pollock chair this one probably comes to mind. This executive office cha...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set 4 Charles Pollock Armchairs Designed by Charles Pollock for KnollBy Charles Pollock, KnollLocated 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
- 1974 Charles Pollock Executive Chair for KnollBy Charles Pollock, KnollLocated in Houston, TXTwo incredible Charles Pollock for Knoll executive chairs in a rare cranberry-red mohair, labeled and dated 1974. These are midcentury modern classics, super comfortable and in stell...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- 1960s Pollack Executive Chair by Charles Pollack for KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Sagaponack, NYA vintage Pollack executive chair on five leg pedestal base featuring his ‘rim technology’ of metal edge banding around the chair’s periphery s...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- 10 Charles Pollock Executive Desk Chairs for KnollBy Knoll, Charles PollockLocated in Los Angeles, CASet of 10 vintage Charles Pollock executive desk chair for Knoll. The ultimate ergonomic, office desk chair designed by this George Nelson apprentice, Charles Pollock. Sold separately.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsLeather
$1,650 / item - 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