Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American chairs, sofas and other 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 had a gift for tables, too, 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, Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Find vintage Adrian Pearsall sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair by TH Robsjohn Gibbings with Mohair Cushions
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous lounge chair with new button tufted cushions by TH Robsjohn Gibbings. Maple frame in excellent vintage condition with almost no wear, possible it was refinished some time a...
Mohair, Maple
Saarinen Mid Century Modern Executive Lounge Dining Armchair by Knoll
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original Knoll executive chair with arms designed by Eero Saarinen and sold by the thousands to IBM of which this one is still tagged. See pics. In excellent vintage conditi...
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Italian Armchair w Ottoman attrib to Gio Ponti
By (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 1950s Italian modern Lounge armchair with the ottoman in two tone contrasting fabric. A Grey flat tweed with a beautiful purple velvet, on both the chair and the ottoman. He...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs Style of Percival Lafer
By Percival Lafer
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural solid oak lounge chairs with all new fabric by Knoll fabrics. Truly a lounge chair in all the sense of the phrase. Sumptuous red materi...
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant pair of barrel back lounge armchairs with chrome tube frames. Great size and shape, seat height is 18.75, very comfy with chrome in tip top shape. Upholstery is a ...
Chrome
Pair of Argenta Chairs from the Pace Collection in Original Fabric C1970
By Pace Collection
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Amazing pair of Pace Argenta lounge chairs in original fabric from the seventies. Very clean, the lucite panels are without damage, almost no wear is ev...
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1611-C Wingback Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic 1611-C Mid-Century lounge chair designed by Adrian Pearsall, featuring a sculptural frame and vibrant green upholstery. The piece embodies Pearsall’s signature blend of bold f...
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Wingback Lounge Chair Model 1611-c
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pasadena, TX
This chair was designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. It has a nice fabric on it and a walnut base. The chair has a swan like look as the arms wave out.
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall 1611-C Wingback Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic mid-century modern tall back lounge chair with "wing" arms. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the mid 60s. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Style Midcentury Armchair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage modern high back armchair in the style of Adrian Pearsall. Nice walnut legs and shaped front giving it a distinct Pearsall flair, with an elegant narrowing back. Should be re...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chair in Cherry Wood and Beige Fabric 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, cherry wood, fabric, Europe, 1950s This wingback chair pairs sculptural elegance with outstanding comfort. Upholstered in a beautifully textured neutral-toned fabric a...
Fabric, Cherry
Alfred Christensen Style Highback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1950's
By Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair with buttoned backrest made in Denmark around 1950. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tall silhouette and carved armrests in beech wood...
Wool, Beech
