Friday, February 1, 2013

Lane Acclaim series

Check out these Lane Acclaim series table we have at the store:




These gorgeous tables are an affordable way to bring some swankiness to your home.
For more info on the Lane Acclaim series, check out Sandy McLendon's informative article:


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Get to know Adrian Pearsall, furniture designer


Adrian Pearsall


Adrian Mount Pearsall (1925–2011) was a renowned Mid-Century designer, architect, and philanthropist. Born in New York, he was raised and settled in Pennsylvania.

Pearsall was an active part of the great sense of opportunity that swept through The United States after World War II. Many American factories were achieving record-breaking levels of productivity.[2] Designers of this period were excited by the host of new materials available to them and the possibilities that mass production offered.

After serving in the U.S. Navy and attending the University of Illinois for architectural engineering (graduated 1950), Pearsall founded Craft Associates and began working with wrought iron designs before switching to walnut designs in the late ‘50s. Craft Associates was hugely successful and helped establish the mid-century “Atomic Age” style, and was later sold to Lane Furniture.

During this period, the fantasy of the chic, gadget-laden 'bachelor's lair' was a recurring icon of hedonistic, masculine consumption in men's magazines such as Playboy, Escapade and Rogue. Cosmopolitan and brimming with á la mode luxuries, the 'bachelor pad' was a leitmotif in these magazines' wider celebration of masculine consumer pleasure and desire.[3]



Pearsall designed his own home in 1962. His home was for sale in 2011, listing for 1.5 million dollars.[4]  This beautiful ranch-style home is the definition of swanky living:

http://adrianpearsall.com/adrianpearsallhomeslideshow.htm

http://retrorenovation.com/2011/05/01/breaking-news-adrian-pearsalls-1964-house-for-sale/

Pearsall went on to co-found Comfort Designs and continued to work hard and flourish in the 1970s. Check out his full catalog:

http://www.adrianpearsall.com/catalogs.htm

“Known for his daring designs which brought high style to the masses, he is credited with the creation of long and low gondola sofas, free-form walnut and glass tables, and the popularization of the venerable bean bag chair.”[5]






[1] all photos from http://www.ny30.org/adrianmountpearsall.htm
[2] Judith Miller, Miller’s 20th Century Design, London: Octopus Publishing Group, 2012.
[3] Bill Osgerby, “The Bachelor Pad as Cultural Icon,” Journal of Design History, Vol. 18 No. 1, Spring 2005, pg. 99­–113.
[4] Mary Therese Biebel,The house the late Adrian Mount Pearsall designed” The Times Leader, (Wilkes-Barre, PA), Jan 28, 2012.
[5] http://www.adrianpearsall.com/obit.html

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The newest addition to the shop is an American of Martinsville Credenza and Hutch in wonderful condition. 
It is a whopping 7 feet long and believe me extremely heavy. 
The hutch can be placed anywhere along the top of the credenza.



You have to love it when you come across a complete set of Adrian Pearsall "Jacks" Coffee tables!!




Monday, September 10, 2012

Weekend Finds

This last week has been very good to me! I am going to take pictures and post them later today but let's just say that I have a few new AMAZING and hard to find pieces for the shop.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Shop Photos

Well finally I was able to get a few photos of the shop taken. There is still so much that we want to do with the shop you will be seeing constant changes so check back often!!


Credenza designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville

Lane "Rhythm" Chest and Night stand (I have the matching dresser too!) Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs



Saturday, September 1, 2012

After a long absence I am ready to get busy posting and letting you know about my great finds. The store is OPEN for business loaded with many great mid century and danish modern pieces. The husband (J.B.) and I are spending this rainy day taking pictures of everything so I will post pictures of the shop later today or tomorrow. The shop is located at 1721 Jackson Ave in Charleston, IL. Stop by and see us we are open Tues through Sat from 10-5 but call first if it's a Wed or Thurs between 3 and 5 because I may be in class. You can also find us at SwankyRetro.com!!