Charles Randolph Pollock

1930 - 2013
Charles Randolph Pollock of New York, NY, died on Tuesday (August 20, 2013) of smoke inhalation in an accidental fire at his studio in Queens, where he worked and lived when working. He was 83.

Born on June 20, 1930 in Philladelphia, PA. He graduated 1950 from Cass Technical High School, Detroit with a comprehensive education in Academics, Art and Design. He Graduated in 1954, Summa cum Laude with a Degree in Industrial Design, from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, He served in the U. S. Army in Fort Benning, Georgia, as the art director of Infantry Magazine, and his painting "Boot" became its cover. He started work for George Nelson where he perfected the art of swaging, a technique he invented and had started developing as a student. In 1950's the Swag Leg Collection under the name of George Nelson was introduced by Herman Miller. One of 10 pieces the now classic DAF Swag-leg chair is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum. In 1961 Koll produced the 657 Lounge, 1965 Knoll introduced his now world famous and iconic Executive Chair 12E series, considered the best sold office chair in the world. In 1968 Charles had a major car accident that nearly tore off his left arm, and left his hand crippled, but functional. The shocking trauma triggered emotional chaos, yet he continued to create. In 1982 Castelli introduced his other classic the Penelope Chair, a major breakthrough as it was one of the first passively ergonomic chairs. After years of many starts, in 2012 Bernhard Designs introduced his latest chair the CP Lounge. In 2012 he won 5 awards for innovative design, on this high note the design career come to a tragic end on the morning of August 20, 2013. Charles Pollock was an innovator in many fields, he designed exhibits, objects, clocks, dinnerware, a series of wrist watches presented to Bulova in the 70's. He was an athlete par excellent, he pioneered short skis in the 1960's in Vermont, as one of the early free style skiers, called "Sailfish Chuck" in the Hampton's he surfed his sailfish in the 60's. He created magnificent open shutter photos of ballet performances. He was a painter and sculptor, he had an exhibit of 15 wire sculptures in 1978. He continued with this work into 2000. According to the press"Pollock ranks among an elite few who charted the midcentury course for industrial design."

Married to Interior Designer Maud Nordwald Keuche in 1970, together they ran Charles Pollock Associates until their separation in 1980, they divorced in 1985. Their son Charles Pollock Jr born November 1971, deceased. He was loving father to his stepdaughter Lisa Keuchen. For 27 year until his death he had a companion in Mrs Sheryl Fratell, who continued to encouraged him in his creative process.

He is survived by his ex-wife Maud Nordwald Pollock, his step daughter Lisa Keuchen, his nieces Anna and Ellen. With great sadness we say farewell. A memorial service is planned for September.