Although Adrian Pearsall is not as well-known as other furniture designers Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav stickley his contributions to design are not forgotten. Pearsall founded Craft Associates in 1952. He went on to be one of America’s most prominent furniture designer during the “Atomic Age”, mid-century modern stylings. He is best known for his use American walnut.
Adrian Pearsall’s Professional Life and Career
In addition to being a pioneer in the field of furniture design, Pearsall was also an avid sailor, owning many boats over the course of his life. ( Image Source )
Pearsall was born in Trumansburg in New York in 1925. He showed signs of his long-held interest in furniture design and sailing at an early age. At the age of 17, he joined the US Navy and received a degree from the University of Illinois, in Architectural Engineering. He married Dorie in the same year. They met while he was traveling by train from New York to Pennsylvania.
Pearsall started Craft Associates in 1952, just two years after he graduated. Craft Associates began as Pearsall making furniture in his basement at home in Pennsylvania. These pieces were then sold from the back of a truck once they were completed. Pearsall’s first few years of business were difficult as he was trying to find his style voice. But sales began to pick up after he started making his walnut bases tables with glass tops. Pearsall’s designs appeared in many renowned department stores in the mid-Atlantic in the late 1950’s.
Craft Associates grew with the company’s success. Pearsall’s brother Richard joined Craft Associates in the opening of a factory at Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Craft Associates was one the most prominent employers in Wilkes Barre during the 1950s and 1960s. It grew from 6 to more than 800 employees at its peak. Lane Furniture Company purchased the company in 1969.
Pearsall and John Graham, his business partner, launched Comfort Designs in 1970s after Craft Associates was sold. Pearsall’s designs grew from mainly walnut tables and chairs to sofas and upholstery in this new venture. Pearsall quit furniture shortly after establishing Comfort Designs to pursue his other passion, yacht restoration and sailing.
Adrian Pearsall, a peaceful death, was announced on September 6, 2011 at his Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania home.
Fun Fact In 1998 Adrian and his brother worked together to design and finance a new home to house the Ulysses Historical Society. Now, the museum is dedicated to Adrian Pearsall.
Adrian Pearsall’s Furniture Designs
Adrian Pearsall’s work helped to define Mid-Century Modern and also emphasized the notion that beauty doesn’t necessarily have to be sacrificed in order for function. His work is a welcome departure from furniture that was utilitarian and too ornate in the past. Pearsall furniture is known for its clean lines, organic shapes and soft curves.
Pearsall was the designer of many furniture designs from 1952 to the mid-1970s. Here are some that he is most famous for:
Free Form Tables: These tables were made of glass and walnut, and often featured curved glass tops or bases. They are clean and simple and have organic shapes. These tables came in many forms, including end tables, coffee tables and dining tables.
Chairs Pearsall tried a lot of things when it came to chairs. Pearsall designed a variety of chairs including rockers, recliners, and swivels. While his designs are varied, the walnut legs and accents of his chairs are prominent. His chair designs often feature walnut arms and a walnut grasshopper-legged base. Adrian has a chair that is not made from walnut. Beanbag. Although he did not design it, he is largely responsible for its popularity.
Gondola sofas: These long and low-slung couches come in a wide range of colors and upholstery patterns, including florals, leopard print and plaid. Many of them had a walnut base. Some bases extended beyond the upholstery to make floating end tables.
Pearsall’s Legacy and Impact on American Furniture Design
Pearsall’s designs inspired many others, including the statements Collection by Copeland Furniture. Pearsall’s design and popularity of glass top tables with bold walnut wood bases has inspired many other designers and craftsmen.
Pearsall is known for making furniture of high quality affordable to the masses, specifically the middle class. This would be regarded as his greatest achievement. Many would agree that he made American Modern furniture that was well-made, but others would argue that his work was derivative, overrated, and opportunistic.
Adrian undoubtedly served the mass market, and his designs reflect the desire for modern furniture styles. However, his designs are very popular. His furniture was highly sought-after at the time of its creation. Today, there is renewed interest in them. This is testimony to his talent and skill. In 2008, he was nominated to the American Furniture Hall of Fame.
Adrian Pearsall’s style continues to inspire many craftsmen and furniture collections such as the Statements collection by Copeland Furniture.
