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.
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Craft Associates Chrome Barrel Back Club Chairs
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Craft Associates Chrome Barrel Back Club Chairs Offered is a pair of beautifully restored vintage Mid-Century Moder...
Steel
Craft Associates Lounge Chairs, Leather Lounge Chairs, Black Leather and Walnut
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft Associates Lounge Chairs, Leather Lounge Chairs, Black Leather and Walnut This piece ships free in the continental United States! Price includes free white glove shipping. *There may be an additional charge on pieces shipped to the West Coast* Lawrence Peabody Club Chair - P1902 - for Craft Associates® This Lawrence Peabody club chair is expertly handcrafted and upholstered. These Peabody chairs are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. The chair is shown here in solid ziricote and velvet, but each is hand built and made to order so wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates® has a full fabric program available. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. The price reflects a COM price (client's own material). If you provide the fabric, there is no additional charge for upholstery designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Ziricote and velvet, walnut and leather dimensions H: 30.5" (77.47cm) W: 29.5" (74.93cm) D: 32" (81.28cm) Seat height: 17.5" (44.45cm) Seat width: 19" (48.26cm) Seat depth: 22" (55.88cm) history Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola' Button-Tufted Chairs for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Dallas, TX
Distinctive 'Gondola' chairs exceptionally well designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the United States circa 1960s. Known for his daring designs which brought high sty...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,500 / set
H 26.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs or Lounge Chairs Walnut Base
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super comfy matching pair of barrel back lounge chairs circa 1960's. These feature swiveling walnut base with blue fabric. Fabric is old and should be replaced.
Fabric, Walnut
$12,000 / set
H 30 in W 27 in D 30 in
Set of Four Leather and Chrome Swivel Chairs by J Robert Scott & Associates
By J. Robert Scott 1, Sally Sirkin Lewis
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A set of four Patchwork leather chairs with round polished chrome bases that swivel. Designed by Sally Sirkin Lewis and made for J Robert Scot...
Chrome
$2,900 / set
H 26 in W 24 in D 24.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Barrel Back Lounge Chairs in Oak after Lou Hodges
By Lou Hodges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of oak lounge chairs in the the style of Lou Hodges. The chairs feature solid oak framing with original tweed fabric in very good condition.
Fabric, Wood
Vincent Lounge Chair In Olive Drab Leather And Walnut Frame
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Vincent lounge chair features a heritage leather seat and back and finely crafted black walnut wooden frame. Displayed here in olive green leather, the Vincent is a true statement piece, sure to be noticed and make a Stand out impression in your room. A Classic sihlouette that balances Minimalist...
Leather, Walnut
$1,365Sale Price|40% Off
H 32 in W 37 in D 34 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates rotating triangle Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your zip. Rotating Triangle Lounge Chair on Aluminum Tulip Base. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates.
Aluminum
$3,250
H 29 in W 27.5 in D 36 in
Expertly Restored -Adrian Pearsall Model 843-C Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Boucle Tweed, New High-Density Foam, New Pirelli Webbing ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$3,950 / set
H 26 in W 32.5 in D 31 in
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Pair of Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman attributed Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Ch...
Chrome
$3,200
H 28 in W 29 in D 28 in
Super Rare Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Walnut & Orange X-Base Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare, possibly unique armchair designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by Craft Associates in the 1960s. While other variations of this design reached mass production and still se...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Walnut
$5,895
H 32 in W 31 in D 55 in
Adrian Pearsall Diamond Button-Tufted Chaise Lounge for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$3,295
H 27.5 in W 34.5 in D 34 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 34.5 wide x 34 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height/chair clearance...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,095
H 31.5 in W 25.25 in D 25.75 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with ...
Metal
$8,925 / set
H 36.23 in W 22.05 in D 37.41 in
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Midcentury Walnut Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of armchairs designed by the American designer Adrian Pearsall. The structure of these lounge cocktail armchairs is made of walnut wood with a beautiful curved shape and covered...
Bouclé, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Strictly Spanish Club Chair-Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Medina, OH
Adrian Pearsall's Strictly Spanish Hexagonal Club Chair for Craft Associates, reupholstered in a luxurious black velvet, with all new foam cores. Craft Associates' furniture was ha...
Iron
Adrian Pearsall Strictly Spanish Club Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Southampton, NJ
Hexagonal "Strictly Spanish" chair designed by Adrian Pearsall with distinct design elements as seen in Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian style furnishings. Of solid Oak construction with b...
Iron
Sold
H 27.75 in W 37 in D 36.75 in
Restored Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Havana Chair and Ottoman
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Havana lounge chair and ottoman set by Adrian Pearsall (Craft Associates) elegantly fuses architectural engineering with mid-century sensuousness, offering both enveloping comfo...
Brass
Sold
H 26.5 in Dm 37 in
Large Oversize Round Adrian Pearsall Swivel Chairs in Painted Velvet Upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A fabulous pair of Adrian Pearsall large oversized round swivel chairs redone in a beautiful printed cotton velvet fabric by Romo called Murano An...
Upholstery, Wood
Gold Goop Brutalist Tub Pod Chairs Set by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall, Paul Evans
Located in Chattanooga, TN
You won't find a nicer, restored version of these Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Pod Chairs anywhere. The FMV restoration team covets this unique line and labors with love by techniques ...
Resin, Wood
Pair Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Wide Barrel Club Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Inc. Wide Barrel Club Chairs, 1960's. Featuring a curved, comfortable low profile design, atop classic Pearsall designed smooth solid Bla...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Club Chair for Craft Associates Inc.
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Adrian Pearsall Manufacturer: Craft Associates Inc. Period/Model: Mid Century Modern Specs: Walnut, Fabric Condition : This Adrian Pearsall club chair for Craft ...
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Sculpted Resin Tub Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Southampton, NJ
Rare pair of Brutalist style club chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates having fresh midnight blue super soft, yet thick and strong upholstery. Both chairs are in f...
Cotton, Resin, Polyester
Pair Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Cube Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber, Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, Milo Baughman
Located in Decatur, GA
Exquisite pair of Adrian Pearsall oversized Mid-Century Modern cube lounger chairs by Craft Associates, circa 1970. Tuxedo style chair with chromed aluminum plinth bases. Completely ...
Aluminum, Chrome
Sold
H 42.75 in W 31.5 in D 33 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates High Back Swivel Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern swiveling high back club or lounge chair By Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates USA, 1960s Original striped upholstery, with walnut and bl...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.5 in W 39 in D 39 in
Bouclé 'Havana' Chair & Ottoman by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, c 1960
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This large sized and spacious 'Havana' chair and ottoman by Adrian Pearsall was designed and produced in the 1960s. This gorgeous example features newly reupholstered bouclé fabric w...
Brass
Sold
H 26.5 in Dm 41 in
Mid-Century Modern Round Satellite Chair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern round satellite chair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Offered is a Mid-Century Modern round satellite chair by Adrian Pears...
Upholstery