Mid-Century Vintage Adrian Pearsall Sofa by Craft Associates
About the Item
- Creator:Adrian Pearsall (Designer),Craft Associates (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 90 in (228.6 cm)Depth: 32 in (81.28 cm)Seat Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. Rubber webbing dried out- needs reseating Minor fraying/rips/wear to original fabric/vinyl Minor scuffs/scratches/dents to frame.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:
Adrian Pearsall
Adrian Pearsall designed some of the most exuberant and expressive American 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 also had a gift for tables, 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, Adrian Pearsall had flair, and his work adds an attention-getting, sculptural exclamation point to any décor.
Craft Associates
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brooklyn, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Vintage Adrian Pearsall "Strictly Spanish" Coffee Table by Craft AssociatesBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Brooklyn, NYDesigned by mid-century American modern master Adrian Pearsall for his Craft Associates Furniture brand of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, this "Strictly Spanish" coffee table is simply ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsStone
- Brutalist Stone Top Table by Adrian Pearsall for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Brooklyn, NYAdd a touch of brutality to any space with this charming side table by Adrian Pearsall for his Craft Associates brand of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Featuring a stark solid rosewood ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsStone, Slate
- Adrian Pearsall "Havana" Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Craft AssociatesBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Brooklyn, NYWith Cuban aesthetics and Pennsylvanian craftsmanship, the iconic "Havana" chair designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates of Wilkes Barre, PA truly offers the best of both wo...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Faux FireplaceBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Brooklyn, NYFaux fireplace by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features a foam-like material, and electric logs that light up. Please confirm item location ...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels
MaterialsFoam
- Pair of Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Style Lounge ChairsBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis stylish pair of sculptural lounge chairs in the style of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates features unique walnut bases and comfortable upholstered seats. The impressive visu...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall 1611-C Wingback ChairBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Brooklyn, NYIconic mid-century modern tall back lounge chair with "wing" arms. Designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates in the mid 60s. Please confirm location NY or NJCategory
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Armless SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century armless sofa This sofa measures: 96 wide x 32 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 1...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 70 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat heigh...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Mid Century Sectional Sofa by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates c 1960'sBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in New York, NYArchitectural two piece sectional sofa, designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The sofa features an angled section, which has a storage cabinet on its end, with a drop down door cover. The other section is straight, making it possible to use the pieces together, as shown, or placed separately if you prefer. This example is in good, vintage estate condition, usable as is, or you can have it reupholstered if you prefer a more finished look. Specific condition report as follows. The knob on the side cabinet door has been replaced using an appropriate mid century knob...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Ebonized Boomerang SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates mid century ebonized boomerang sofa This sofa measures: 123 wide x 53 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and chair clearance of 1...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang SofaBy Craft Associates, Adrian PearsallLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Grand Boomerang Sofa This sofa measures: 122 wide x 71 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 13 inches All pieces of furni...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola SofaBy Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Countryside, ILAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid Century Walnut Gondola Sofa This sofa measures: 102 wide x 33 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 20.5 inche...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut