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 Lawrence Peabody Barrel Chairs
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of barrel chairs with floating frames designed circa late 1950s by Lawrence Peabody for Richardson-Nemschoff. These chairs with rounded backs and maple frames have an easy, el...
Maple
Lawrence Peadbody for Richardson Nemschoff Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By Richardson Nemschoff, Lawrence Peabody
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Really wonderful and uncommon chairs designed by Lawrence Peabody for Richardson Nemschoff. What we love is the delicate arms and frame in beautifully restored oiled walnut. To compl...
Chenille, Walnut
A Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Armchairs ca' 1950's
By Norman Cherner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic, vintage 1 st edition Cherner chairs with arms. Walnut with nice patina. Both chairs signed with labels-designed by Norman Cherner/Plycraft.
Maple, Walnut
Ib Kofod Larsen Sculptural Lounge Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Uncommon pair of sculptural arm chairs designed by Ib Kofod Larsen. Dark walnut tone and velvet upholstery.
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Mahogany
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Assoc. 2231 Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair with Ottomans
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Model 2231 Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair with Ottomans The chair measures: 34 wide x 37 deep x 42 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inc...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of mid century chairs by ADRIAN PEARSALL w/foot stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and elegant pair of chairs BY ANDRIAN PEARSALL, it has the original fabric and it is in good condition, it has also the foot stool, but in different fabric, the patina of...
Walnut, Fabric
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Adrian Pearsall Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates Exceptional and rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, showcasing the bold sculptura...
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Barrel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 34.5 wide x 29 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair cleara...
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Walnut Lounge Chairs in the Style of Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury walnut lounge chairs in the style of Adrian Pearsall. These chairs feature a vintage yellow upholstery with a sculpted solid walnut base and armrests. These chairs are pri...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Armchairs in the Style of Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Beautiful pair of Scandinavian modern armchairs in the style of Ib Kofod-Larsen, dating from the 1950s–1960s. The chairs feature an elegant solid-wood frame with slender, sculptural ...
Faux Leather, Hardwood
