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.
Pair of Roger Sprunger Jack Larsen Dunbar Guest Chairs
By Roger Sprunger, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of Roger Sprunger for Dunbar Guest Arm Chairs A pair of Mid-Century Modern arm chairs designed by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar. Ebonized wooden frames with X stretchers. Original ...
Fabric, Wood
Pair Nico Zographos Ireland Arm Chairs
By Zographos Designs Ltd.
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of Ireland chairs by Nico Zographos. One Ireland chair designed by Nicos Zographos in 1962 and made by Zographos Designs Ltd. Upholstered in brown leather.
Walnut
Pair of Don Petit for Knoll International Bentwood Armchairs
By Don Pettit
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautiful pair of Don Petit Bentwood Armchairs. He designed these chairs for Knoll International. They're sculpted in bentwood and have a nice Knoll fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Jens Risom Style Arm Lounge Chairs
By Chromcraft
Located in Pasadena, TX
A pair of mid century Jens Risom style arm chairs. The frames are of two-toned walnut. Upholstered in a neutral linen fabric.
Linen, Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Oak Cane Back Side Chairs By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a fine pair of Drexel side chairs. The chairs are made o f oak and have cane backs. The legs are rounded so as to give these chairs an Asian feel.
Cane, Oak
Pair of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Wood Leather Chairs
By Norman Cherner
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of vintage Norman Cherner plycraft bent wood leather chairs Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department ...
Oak
Dining Room Chairs by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
These dining chairs, designed by the renowned Adrian Pearsall, epitomize mid-century modern elegance. Each chair features freshly upholstered seats and backs in a sophisticated gray ...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Pair of Tapered Leg Dining Chairs by Paoli
By Paoli Chair Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring timeless mid-century style to your dining space with this handsome pair of vintage dining chairs by Paoli. Crafted with clean architectural lines and signature tapered legs, th...
Walnut
Pair Of Mid-Century Modern High Back Side Chairs By Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This outstanding pair of high-back dining side chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates are model number 2051-C. As with all Pearsall designs, these chairs are sculptu...
Walnut
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Mid-Century Modern or Dining Chairs, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern side chairs or dining chairs By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East Collection" USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved walnut frames, wi...
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern High Back Side Chairs
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern high back lounge chairs, club chairs, or dining chairs By Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut bases, ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by G Plan
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Gardiner, NY
Pair of authentic vintage mid century modern dining chairs. By G Plan. Maker's label on bottoms. This set is in very good overall condition with brand new vegan leather upholstery...
Teak
