Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs
Pair of Walnut & Velvet Wing High Button Back Adrian Pearsall Chairs
This beautiful pair of Mid Century Modern chairs were realized by the 20th century legend Adrian Pearsall in the United States circa 1960. They feature a sculptural base consisting of angled back feet and front straight feet- connected via an hourglass form support- that imbue the piece with a subtle dynamism. The wing back seat has flares out on either side gently wrapping inwards. Additionally, there is button back detailing and convex wood embellishments (a signature design detail of Pearsall) on the arm rests. With their impeccable craftsmanship and refined color palate, these lounge chairs would be a winning addition to any style of interior from Mid-Century Modernist to Contemporary. They have been newly reupholstered in a cream velvet fabric and restored to mint condition.
United States, Circa 1960
Dimensions:
Height: 43.5 in (110.49 cm) x Width: 35.75 in (90.81 cm) x Depth: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)
Seat Height: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)
Creator: Adrian Pearsall (Maker)
Sold As: Set of 2
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Velvet, Walnut
Place of Origin: United States
Period: 1960-1969
Date of Manufacture: circa 1960
Condition: Excellent. Reupholstered. Refinished.
Reference Number: LU793437514702
ADRIAN PEARSALL
Adrian Pearsall, born in 1925 in Trumansburg, New York, was a notable American architect and furniture designer whose work played a significant role in defining mid-century modern design. Pearsall’s contributions, particularly his innovative use of American black walnut and his pioneering modular designs, have left a lasting legacy.
Pearsall’s interest in design and craftsmanship was evident from a young age. After serving in the US Navy at 17, he pursued a degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Illinois, graduating in 1950. His educational background in architecture deeply influenced his approach to furniture design, emphasizing both form and function. In 1952, shortly after marrying his wife Dorie, Pearsall founded Craft Associates in the basement of his Pennsylvania home, where he began building and selling furniture out of the back of a truck.
The early years of Craft Associates were challenging as Pearsall searched for his distinctive style. His breakthrough came with his walnut base tables topped with glass, which gained popularity and led to his designs being featured in prestigious department stores such as Macy's and Wanamaker's. The success of these pieces allowed Craft Associates to expand rapidly. Pearsall's brother, Richard, joined the business, and they moved operations to a factory in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. By the 1960s, Craft Associates had grown from a small workshop to one of the largest employers in the area, boasting over 800 employees at its peak.
In 1969, Pearsall sold Craft Associates to Lane Furniture Company and subsequently co-founded Comfort Designs in the 1970s with business partner John Graham. This venture marked a shift from walnut tables and chairs to a focus on sofas and upholstery. Despite his success in furniture design, Pearsall eventually left the industry to pursue his passion for sailing and yacht restoration.
Pearsall’s designs are celebrated for their clean lines, organic shapes, and the strategic use of walnut wood. His innovative approach to modular furniture, which allowed for various configurations and adaptability, was groundbreaking. This concept extended beyond seating to include tables with interchangeable legs and case goods with customizable features. His work bridged the gap between beauty and practicality, making high-style furniture accessible to the middle class.
Among his notable designs are various types of chairs, including dining chairs, recliners, rockers, and swivel chairs, many featuring his signature walnut accents. Pearsall also played a significant role in popularizing the beanbag chair. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring modern collections like the Statements Collection by Copeland Furniture and being recognized in design retrospectives and museum exhibitions.
Adrian Pearsall passed away on September 6, 2011, in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. His legacy continues through the timeless appeal of his designs, which remain highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts. In 2008, he was nominated for induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame, and in 2023, he was posthumously inducted into the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Pearsall’s impact on mid-century modern design is undeniable. His bold, functional, and aesthetically pleasing creations have ensured that his work remains influential and celebrated. From his early walnut tables to his later modular furniture, Adrian Pearsall's designs continue to inspire and captivate, underscoring the enduring relevance of his visionary approach to furniture design.