Saturday, February 22, 2014

Adrian Pearsall inspired living room

We have 6 month old daughter who is quickly becoming mobile and "busy".  I found these pieces in poor shape and restored them for our living room.  Adrian Pearsall, along with Milo Baughman, are probably my favorite 2 American mid century designers.  Pearsall's designs have a space age, Jetson's, sort of look with swooping designs and exaggerated proportions.  I though both of these were his designs but as I researched them I found they were done by others.

The sofa was designed and manufactured by B.P. John in Portland.  They were a quality manufacturer who made a number of pieces similar to Pearsall's Craft Associates.  I had my friend Jose completely remove all the upholstery and stuffing, repair the springs and totally reupholster the sofa in a rich, peacock colored wool upholstery fabric.  The color stays true to the period while also working well in updated decor.  The original table tops were a laminate so I made new ones with real walnut and finished with a durable finish that I normally reserve for high use pieces.  I refinished the legs to match.

The chair is also often mistaken for a Pearsall design but made by Alan White Furniture.  Again, this piece was completely stripped down, springs repaired and reupholstered with all new foam and stuffing and the same wool fabric.  Jose said this one was very challenging because of the stitching in the seat but he did a great job.  I refinished the legs to match the sofa.

I also have a couple original Pearsall coffee tables, one is the "dogbone" table the other is the "jacks" table.  These have oval glass on the top that just rests on the base.  With the little one starting to pull herself up to her feet I have visions of her pulling the glass onto herself!

Thanks to my photographer friend, Michael Nelson for the living room pic and some photoshop "adjustments" to my crappy photography.

Both pieces are sold.  







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