Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Style Swivel Armchair
View Similar Items
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Style Swivel Armchair
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 34 in (86.36 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1968
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Houston, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU107902396562
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.
- Adrian Pearsall Swivelling Club Chair with Ottoman and Integral HeadrestBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Chicago, ILInspired design and functionality from Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. This swivelling barrel chair is low slung with a curved head rest. Paired up with the triangular shaped ottoman, it has the appearance of a tear drop shaped chaise longue. Upholstered in periwinkle blue and rose flamestitch fabric...Category
Vintage 1970s American Swivel Chairs
MaterialsBentwood, Upholstery
- Adrian Pearsall Swiveling Club Chair in Original Flame Stitch UpholsteryBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Chicago, ILSwiveling barrel back club chair in a periwinkle blue and rose flame stich upholstery. Low slung and extremely comfortable with wide, loose cushions. Original upholstery is stained a...Category
Vintage 1970s American Swivel Chairs
MaterialsBentwood, Upholstery
- 1960s Swivel Chair in the Style of Adrian PearsallBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Grand Rapids, MIUSA, 1960s Goldenrod crushed velvet highback swivel chair in the style of Adrian Pearsall. Label on base has the name of a furniture store only- no other maker's marks. Original upholstery with self-fabric covered cylindrical swivel base. Would be an excellent piece to use in set design. Compact size especially given the comfort. In good original condition. CONDITION NOTES: Presents very well with no apparent pet or smoke odors...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsVelvet
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Swivel Tilt ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury Swivel Tilt Chair. This chair measures: 37 wide x 31 deep x 41 high, with a seat height of 19 and arm h...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel ChairBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Adrian Pearsall Swivel Chairs in Ivory Bouclé c. 1970sBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Saint Louis, MOSculptural swivel chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates circa 1970 freshly and professionally reupholstered in luxurious Ivory Bouclé. Furniture that's art. Arms gently slop...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsBouclé, Upholstery