Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa 2408
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Width: 102 in (259.08 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 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:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage piece original fabric ready for everyday use.
- Seller Location:Wilmington, DE
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wilmington, DE
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Gondola Sofa 2408By Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Wilmington, DEOffered is a beautifully restored 'Gondola' sofa (model 2408) designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Features refinished sculpted wood legs and has been reupholstered with...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Midcentury Danish Modern Adrian Pearsall Chrome Craft Associates SofaBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Wilmington, DEMid-Century Danish Modern Adrian Pearsall chrome Craft Associates sofa. Offered is a gorgeous vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa, By Craft Assoc...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola SofaBy Bassett Furniture, Adrian PearsallLocated in Wilmington, DEVintage Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall style Gondola sofa Offered is a gorgeous vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa, in the style of Adr...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chair by Craft Associates, 2406By Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Wilmington, DEOffered is a vintage sculptural lounge chair, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates (#2406-C). Features a walnut base with u...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Prestige SofaBy Bassett Furniture, Adrian PearsallLocated in Wilmington, DEOffered is a gorgeous vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa, in the style of Adrian Pearsall for Bassett 'Prestige'. Features a tufted backs, 3 removable se...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Midcentury Danish Modern Adrian Pearsall Style 3 Cushion SofaBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Wilmington, DEMidcentury Danish modern Adrian Pearsall style 79" 3 cushion sofa Offered is a gorgeous vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa, in the style of Adrian Pear...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWalnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 102 wide x 33 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 20.5 inche...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 104 wide x 34 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 20.5 inche...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft AssociatesBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Palm Springs, CAAn incredible gondola form sofa designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. Fame has been professionally refinished. Sofa has been restored with new webbing, foam and upholster...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa Mid-Century ModernBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Baltimore, MDMid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa model 2640-S, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. In new upholstery fabric and high...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Foam, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola SofaBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Middlesex, NJAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola sofa.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mid Century Velvet Gondola Sofa By Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, c1960sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Chino Hills, CAImmerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Mid-Century Modern design with this stunning vintage Gondola Sofa designed by the iconic Adrian Pears...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsVelvet, Wood, Walnut