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.
Craftassociates Counter Stools, Cane Counter Height Stools, Walnut and Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craftassociates counter stools, cane counter height stools, walnut and leather, Craftassociates counter stools, cane counter height stools, walnut and l...
Walnut, Cane
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Derby Modern Dining Chairs, Walnut, Brown Leather
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Derby Modern Dining Chairs, Walnut, Brown Leather These modern walnut dining chairs by Lawrence Peabody : The Derby Modern Dining Chair for Craft Asso...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
CraftAssociates Caned Dining Chairs, Bonnie Caned Dining Chairs, Leather Walnut
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft caned dining chairs, bonnie caned dining chairs, leather and walnut Designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Pe...
Cane, Walnut, Leather
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Gordon Modern Walnut Dining Chairs, Leather
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Dining Chairs, Gordon Modern Walnut Dining Chairs, Leather Modern dining chairs, 1901 for Craft Associates Furniture are expertly handcrafted. Each chair base is con...
Leather, Ziricote
Derby Dining Chairs, Modern Wood Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather, Peabody, Craft
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Derby Dining Chairs, Modern Wood Dining Chairs, Walnut, Leather, Peabody, Craft These Modern Wood Dining Chair by Lawrence Peabody : The Derby Chair fo...
Leather, Walnut
Peabody Cane Back Chairs, Walnut and Cane in black, Modern, Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Peabody cane back chairs, walnut and Cane in black, Modern, Craft Associates These Peabody Cane Back Chairs in handcrafted in solid walnut and fur. However, each is made to order. Wood species and fabric can be customized. Craft Associates has a full fabric program available.. In addition, the chairs are a licensed reintroduction by the estate of Lawrence Peabody and built by Craft Associates. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. They strive to craft a product that will Stand the test of time. They use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We Stand 100% behind our product. Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Walnut, cane, leather Dimensions: H 32" (81.28cm) W 24" (60.96cm) D 26.25" (66.68cm) Arm height 22.5" (57.15cm) Seat height 16" (40.64cm) Seat width 21" (53.34cm) Seat depth 20" (50.8cm) "The U.S. would profit by the example of the Danes, whose great work in furniture design is the result of combining proficient craftsmanship, Fine design and technical skill. The Danes do more than sell arts and crafts in their distinguished work, they sell Denmark." - Lawrence Peabody, 1957 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...
Leather, Walnut
Century Furniture Mid Century Cane and Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Century Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Century Furniture Mid Century Cane and Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 21.25 wide x 22 deep x 39.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains ...
Cane, Walnut
1950s Ultra Rare Michael Taylor for Baker , Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary set of 4 Michael Taylor for Baker Dining chairs. Fresh from upholstery these are pretty special chairs. Nearly impossible to replace. Beautiful Walnut Finish and brilli...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Lane Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Stylish and timeless, this set of four 1960’s Mid-Century Modern walnut dining chairs brings warm organic character to any dining space. Each chair features beautifully sculpted fram...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Set of Four Mid-Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish set of four mid-century dining chairs crafted in warm walnut. Featuring tall, gently tapered backs with woven cane panels, these chairs beautifully balance natural texture an...
Walnut
Sophisticated Restored Set of 8 Walnut Klismos Cane Chairs after Charles Allen
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unforgettable, meticulously restored set of eight (8) modern Klismos cane dining chairs after Charles Allen, circa 1955. These unusual chairs may also be sold as a set of 8, 10, 1...
Cane, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Walnut X-Base Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four Mid-Century Modern x-base dining chairs By Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Solid walnut frames with "x" stretchers, and upholstered...
Upholstery, Walnut
