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.
Cawtaba Side Table, Copper and Leather, Black, Modern and Industrial
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Cawtaba side table, Copper and Leather, Black, Modern and Industrial These side tables are topped in a hammered copper and finished in leather. These are part of the Catawba Seri...
Copper
CraftAssociates Side Tables, Catawba Quick Ship Side Table, Leather, Copper
By Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
We currently have three available for purchase ( pricing is $4,200 for the pair). Need something now? We are offering a few of our pieces, including this Catawba Side Table ready to ship! 20% off and in perfect/excellent condition. These are all one-off pieces. First come, first serve. These side tables are topped in a hammered copper and finished in leather. These are part of the Catawba Series designed and scheduled for our January 2022 launch. Each side table made for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly crafted at our studio. The copper is hand shaped, and then upholstered by artisans. This piece can be customized in size, leather and patina. Craft Associates Furniture is proud each piece is made in the US at our studio. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman in the business. We Stand 100% behind our product. designer: Laura Trenchard Manufacturer: Craft Associates® Modern Furniture Period/Model: Mid Century Modern Specs: Leather, Copper Collection: Catawba Series SKU: CraftAssociates Side Tables, Catawba Quick Ship Side Table...
Copper
Catawba Wood Side Tables
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Catawba wood side tables for Craft Associates® Furniture are expertly crafted. The sides tables are constructed from solid hardwood by hand, not machine. The oak is then shaped...
Oak
Bertu Tables, Cutout Wood Side Table, Modern
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Tables, Cutout Wood Side Table, Modern Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why buy BERTU stumps? ...
Wood, Maple
Bertu Side Tables, Dublin Large Side Table, Maple
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Side Tables, Dublin Large Side Table, Maple Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why buy BERTU stumps...
Wood, Maple
CraftAssociates Nightstands, Catawba Nightstands, Black Wood, Metal
By Laura Trenchard, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Craft Associates nightstands, Catawba nightstands, black wood, metal. These Catawba wood side tables for Craft Associates® Furniture are expertly crafted. The sides tables are con...
Oak
Set of Two Vaisseau Side Tables in Copper Clad Over Wood by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The traditional metal clad furniture he found in India inspired renowned designer Paul Mathieu to create this elegant and curvaceous storage bench. The arcing sides and top of this p...
Brass
Contemporary Repoussé Copper Root Drum Tables, Set of 2 by Robert Kuo
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Root Drum Tables - Set of 2 Brass Hand Repoussé Single Dimension: 18"L x 17"D x 17"H & 20 1/2"L x 17"D x 17"H Limited Edition Contemporary Repoussé is the traditional art of hand-h...
Copper
Side Tables Black Oak Structure Hammered Copper Top Brass Finish
By Laura Noriega
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
"Venus" side tables in copper hammered by hand are inspired by the planet Venus, so bright that it can be seen during the day as the luminous beautiful copper as light as its symbol; stylized representation contained by a circle with a small cross below. Shapes and tones that inspire “Venus” tables...
Copper
Side Table Black Oak Structure and Hammered Copper Top Brass Finish
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
"Venus" side tables in copper hammered by hand are inspired by the planet Venus, so bright that it can be seen during the day as the luminous beautiful copper as light as its symbol; stylized representation contained by a circle with a small cross below. Measure: 80cm. Shapes and tones that inspire “Venus” tables...
Copper
Contemporary Handmade Side Tables, Copper And Tzalam Wood
By Laura Noriega
Located in Guadalajara, Jal.
"Venus" side tables in copper hammered by hand are inspired by the planet Venus, so bright that it can be seen during the day as the luminous beautiful copper as light as its symbol; stylized representation contained by a circle with a small cross below. Shapes and tones that inspire “Venus” tables...
Copper
Vaisseau Side Table in Copper Clad Over Wood by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
The traditional metal clad furniture he found in India inspired renowned designer Paul Mathieu to create this elegant and curvaceous storage bench. The arcing sides and top of this p...
Brass
