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.
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Dining Chairs by DIA
By Design Institute America
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful set of four dining chairs designed by Design Institute of America. These feature fully upholstered metal frames on casters. Upholstery is original and needs recovering. O...
Metal
Set of Four High Back Armchair-Dining Chair by Erwin Lambeth for Tomlinson
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company, Erwin Lambeth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant set of four high backed armchairs that can be used as dining chairs or game table chairs. Lovely design with slender lags and a high back that makes for a beautiful profile. ...
Upholstery
Set of 6 Carved Teak & Red/Orange Fabric Benny Linden Dining Room Chairs
By Benny A. Linden
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An awesome set of 6 solid carved teak wood dining chairs made by Benny Linden and designed in Thailand. These chairs feature slatted backs, solid turned legs, and a robust & warm loo...
Upholstery, Teak
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dining Chairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of six dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Two armchairs and four sides. A matching dining table is also available. Upholstery is original ...
Wood
Full Twist Guest Chairs Maple Wood by Mark Goetz for Herman Miller, circa 2017
By Mark Goetz Herman Miller, Geiger International
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of chairs was designed with a masterful eye. The solid maple wood construction has very modern and sleek lines, twisting and turning. The pieces of the frame meld together,...
Upholstery, Maple
Niels Koefoed Eva Mid-Century Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Koefoeds Hornslet, Niels Koefoed
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six "Eva" dining room chairs designed by Niels Koefoed in 1964 and manufactured by Koefoeds Hornslet in the late 1960s. The chairs are of solid rosewood and upholstered in l...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Brutalist Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Brutalist Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19 wide x 23 deep x 46.5 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each ...
Upholstery, Resin
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Brutalist High Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding set of four Mid-Century Modern Brutalist high back lounge chairs, club chairs, or dining chairs. By Adrian Pearsall USA, 1960s Textured bronze-gilded resin ...
Upholstery, Resin
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern High Back Dining Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding set of four Mid-Century Modern high back lounge chairs, club chairs, or dining chairs. By Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut ba...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set 8 Mid-Century Modern Foster McDavid Solid Walnut Red Velvet Dining Chairs
By Foster-McDavid
Located in West Chester, PA
Set of eight sophisticated Mid-Century Modern dining chairs by Foster McDavid, having dramatic architectural high backs, solid walnut wood frames with raspberry red velvet seats and ...
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall High Back Goop Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a set of eight Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall High Back Goop Dining Chairs. Featuring a high back design, two arm chairs, six side chairs, a brutalist Goop st...
Upholstery, Wood
4 Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Sculpted Brutalist High Back Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Wayne, NJ
Set of 4 Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Brutalist Dining Chairs . The set includes two armchairs and two-side chairs . They feature tall angular backs .The highly decorated resin s...
Fabric
