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.
Dal Vera Easy Chair, Walnut & Leather, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Dal Vera- Made in Italy circa 1950s, in walnut and leather restored Measure in cm: H 70/40, W 60, D 48 Dal Vera production made in Italy 1950s
Leather, Walnut
Italian Mid-Century Bamboo Rocking Chair, Franco Albini designer
By Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant and robust Italian Mid-Century Modern bamboo rocking chair restored and shellac polished, Franco Albini attributed. Measures cm: D 100 x W 60 x H 42/110.
Bamboo, Raffia
Early 20th Century Art Deco Walnut Armchair Jules Leleu attributed
By Jules Leleu
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Art Deco blond walnut chair armchair Jules Leleu manner, Mid-Century Modern. Original Vintage waxed fabric in very good condition Desig...
Patent Leather, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti Attributed Armchair, Walnut, Restored, Finished Wax
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti attributed armchair, walnut, restored, finished to wax. New upholstered with Wharol Haring fabric. Excellent conditions. Measures cm: H 85/48, W 57, D 53.
Walnut
Midcentury Walnut Armchair, Afra and Tobia Scarpa Style "Pigreco Chair"
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original 1960s walnut armchair Afra and Tobia Scarpa style Measures cm: H 64/42, W 53, D 46 About -Afra and Tobia Scarpa (Italy) Afra & Tobia Scarpa are award winning postmodern Italian architects and designers. Their pieces can be found in museums across the United States and Europe, including collections in MoMA and the Louvre Museum. They have collaborated with companies such as B&B Italia, San Lorenzo Silver...
Cotton, Walnut
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Thonet Rocking Chair in Steam Bent Beechwood
By Michael Thonet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FM07 Art Nouveau chair, original from the early '900 , with curved wood frame, new upholstered seat in leather of Siena's earth color. Frame In bent beechwood steam, with th...
Leather, Beech
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 30 wide x 32 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance of 22.75 inch...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Walnut Rocking Chair
By Baumritter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With rich walnut making up this chair's frame and spindle back, this vintage rocking chair is full of Mid-Century style. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern walnut high back lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen and manufactured by Selig in Denmark circa 1960s. This beautiful highback lounge chair features a solid walnut frame with an excellent color tone and a beautiful grain pattern creating a refined and elegant look. The chair backrest...
Fabric, Walnut
Danish Teakwood Rocking Chair by Ole Wanscher, Vintage 1950-1970
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Schaukelstuhl, rocking chair made of hand carved Teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by France & Søn, in good conditi...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Vintage "Rocker 952" by Lawrence Peabody for Nemschoff
By Lawrence Peabody, Nemschoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern small rocking chair with wicker back. Walnut wood frame with two thick cushions. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Walnut
Poul Jensen Style Mid Century Walnut Z Lounge Chair
By Poul Jensen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Poul Jensen Style Mid Century Walnut Z Lounge Chair This chair measures: 27.25 wide x 31.5 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chai...
Upholstery, Walnut
