Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
View Similar Items
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofa for Craft Associates Inc.
About the Item
- Creator:Craft Associates (Manufacturer),Adrian Pearsall (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 84 in (213.36 cm)Depth: 33.25 in (84.46 cm)Seat Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. In good condition with minor scuffs and blemishes on base. See photos.
- Seller Location:San Jose, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU158229307021
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.
- Vintage Pair of Solid Walnut and Glass Jacks End Tables by Adrian PearsallBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in San Jose, CAMid-Century Modern pair of side tables designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, circa 1960s. The supporting base is made of sculptural solid walnut with a curved triangular ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsGlass, Walnut
- Vintage Scandinavian Rosewood and Black Leather Three Seat SofaLocated in San Jose, CAMid century modern 3-seater sofa in rosewood and leather circa 1960's, Denmark. This comfortable statement piece can be displayed from any angle and features sculptural curved armres...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Rosewood
$5,440 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage Paul McCobb Swivel Table Mirror Vanity for Bryce OriginalsBy Paul McCobb, Bryce OriginalsLocated in San Jose, CAMid century modern swivel mirror table vanity designed by Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals, circa 1950's. Features a striking black iron frame and float...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors
MaterialsIron
- Original Vintage Eames Fiberglass Shell Dining Side Chairs for Herman MillerBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in San Jose, CAMid Century Modern DSS stacking dining side chairs designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller circa 1960s. These collectible molded fiberglass shell seats are available in g...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsFiberglass
$400 Sale Price / item20% Off - Vintage Museum Wall Clock by Nathan George Horwitt for Howard MillerBy Howard Miller, Nathan HorwittLocated in San Jose, CAMid-Century Modern museum wall clock designed by Nathan George Horwitt for Howard Miller Clock Company, Zeeland Michigan. Encased with an eggshel...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Sculptural Matte White Incised Martz Pottery Lamp for Marshall StudiosBy Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane MartzLocated in San Jose, CAMid-century sculptural accent table lamp designed by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. This piece features a matte white ceramic...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsWalnut, Ceramic
- Vintage Walnut "Boomerang" Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in North Hollywood, CAStunning vintage walnut “Boomerang” sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the United States, circa 1960s. This sofa has a structurally detailed design where the polygonal...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 'Cloud' Sofa, circa 1960sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis rare and sought-after 'Cloud' Mid-Century Modern sofa is by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in circa 1960. This amazing collectors piece is being offered as a pre-restorati...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
$10,200 Sale Price44% Off - Adrian Pearsall Cloud Sofa for Craft Associates Fully RestoredBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Chattanooga, TNFULLY restored. A true jaw-dropper from every angle. The new faux leopard fur fabric contrasts perfectly with the old-growth walnut and black lacquer trim. Ultra soft to the touch...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Original Adrian Pearsall Platform Boomerang Sofa 2300-S for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Chattanooga, TNWhat's better than vintage original? Upholstery that actually works for today's decorators. This original two-tone fabric combination has a timeless designer style. The nubby blue...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Adrian Pearsall For Craft Associates Sectional SofaBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Pasadena, TXA mid-century modern sectional sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by Craft Associates. Two 6ft sections that can be positioned end to end for a long sofa or used as two separ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
$5,520 Sale Price / set43% Off - Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century 2300-S Walnut Boomerang SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury 2300-S walnut boomerang sofa. This sofa measures: 126 wide x 67 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches. All piec...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut