George Nelson for Herman Miller DAF Swag Leg Chair
View Similar Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller DAF Swag Leg Chair
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1958
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. As good as it gets with a 60 year old unrestored piece.
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: BF0021stDibs: LU84306144993
George Nelson
Architect, designer, and writer George Nelson was a central figure in the mid-century American modernist design movement; and his thoughts influenced not only the furniture we live with, but also how we live.
Nelson came to design via journalism and literature. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Yale in 1931, he won the Prix de Rome fellowship, and spent his time in Europe writing magazine articles that helped bring stateside recognition to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Gio Ponti, Le Corbusier and other canonical modernist architects.
In the 1940s, Nelson wrote texts that suggested such now-commonplace ideas as open-plan houses, storage walls and family rooms. D.J. De Pree, the owner of the furniture maker Herman Miller, was so impressed by Nelson that in 1944 — following the sudden death of Gilbert Rohde, who had introduced the firm to modern design in the 1930s — he invited Nelson to join the company as its design director. There Nelson’s curatorial design talents came to the fore.
To Herman Miller he brought such eminent creators as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and the textile and furniture designer Alexander Girard. Thanks to a clever contract, at the same time as he directed Herman Miller he formed a New York design company, George Nelson & Associates, that sold furniture designs to the Michigan firm. Nelson's studio also sold designs for clocks to the Howard Miller Clock Company, a manufacturer that was initially part of Herman Miller before it became an offshoot that was helmed by Howard Miller, D.J. De Pree's brother-in-law.
Nelson’s New York team of designers (who were rarely individually credited) would create such iconic pieces as the Marshmallow sofa, the Coconut chair, the Ball clock, the Bubble lamp series and the many cabinets and beds that comprise the sleek Thin-Edge line.
For dedicated collectors, as well as for interior designers who look beyond “the look,” there is a “cool factor” inherent to vintage pieces from George Nelson and others. Nelson was in on it from the start, and it’s valuable to have a piece that was there with him.
But still, as is evident from the offerings from dealers on 1stDibs, in any of the designs, in any iteration whose manufacture Nelson oversaw and encouraged, there are shining elements of lightness, elegance, sophistication — and a little bit of swagger. George Nelson felt confident in his ideas about design and didn’t mind letting the world know.
- George Nelson Steel Frame CabinetBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Philadelphia, PAGeorge Nelson steel frame cabinet. One walnut front drawer on top and 2 Yellow Sliding doors. Steel Frame and drawer fronts all refin...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsIron
$2,560 Sale Price20% Off - Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller ShelfBy Herman Miller, Gilbert RohdeLocated in Philadelphia, PAGilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Open Display or Bookshelf. Newly refinished and ready to go! Perfect for your amazing collection! Pe...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Shelves
MaterialsMahogany
- Gilbert Rohde Cabinet for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, Gilbert RohdeLocated in Philadelphia, PAGilbert Rohde Cabinet from the Mahogany Series dating to the late 1930's. Refinished about 10 years ago in a Satin Black Finish. Still presents pretty well but not perfect. Retains O...Category
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cabinets
MaterialsMetal
- George Thams for A. S. Vejen Leather and Chrome Danish Lounge Chair and OttomanBy Georg Thams, Vejen PolstermøbelfabrikLocated in Philadelphia, PAGeorge Thams for A. S. Vejen Leather and Chrome Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Ottoman measures 21.5 square and 17" tall. This is one of the most comfortable...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
$3,400 Sale Price / set20% Off - Howard Miller Desk Clock by Design Office of George NelsonBy Howard Miller, Arthur UmanoffLocated in Philadelphia, PAArthur Umanoff for The Design Office of George Nelson for Howard Miller Rosewood Desk or Table Clock. In great shape and running flawlessly! Been in use for about 6 months on my de...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
MaterialsChrome
- Eames for Herman Miller LTRT Table Anniversary Edition!By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Philadelphia, PAEames Blue top LTRT Table, part of Herman Miller "Select" Program. Produced in 2012 in red, yellow, and blue. In Clean condition!Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson Prototype DAF Chair for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in Cincinnati, OHAn early per production prototype fiberglass arm shell or DAF chair designed by George Nelson. This chair came directly from a engineer working for the Herma...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFiberglass
- Swag Leg Chair 1958 by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in London, GBThe "swag leg chair" by George Nelson dates back to 1958 - but would still be a perfect fit in any science fiction movie today. the innovative design resulted from nelson's demands for the development of his swag leg group, which includes chairs, a secretary and various tables. the elegantly curved legs were to be made of steel and processed by machine. and although the chair naturally looks extremely casual and cool, this has nothing to do with the youthful spirit of the 21st century: "swag" here means the process of "swaging", in english "pressing" (metal pressing is still a widespread method of forming). The frame is actually a combination of the classic "four-legged friend" with the idea of a central axis. or, to put it more poetically by a contemporary: "like four tree roots growing out of the ground and uniting to form a strong trunk...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson for Herman Miller White Swag Chair, One ChairBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Basel, BSAbsolutely stunning gorgeous and iconic George Nelson Herman Miller Swag chair in white. Originally c.1950s. This chair is an authentic Herman Miller stampe...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Set of George Nelson Swag Leg Chairs by Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Highland, INThe swag leg chair designs by the office of George Nelson were developed in response to his desire to create a chair with a beautiful "swagged" leg (one that tapers while it curves)....Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Space Age Daf Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Set of 4By George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in HEVERLEE, BESet of 4 very rare DAF armchairs designed by George nelson for Herman Miller. The chairs are made from fiberglas shells mounted on white lacquered metal legs. Very similar to the L...Category
Vintage 1960s American Space Age Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of 2 Cube Chairs / Club Chairs After George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1970sBy George NelsonLocated in Deland, FLSubstantial and striking. This pair of cube chairs are set on oak baes. The chairs are found in their original striped fabric which is in good vintage condition. If the fabric is not...Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Chairs
MaterialsOak
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
Kule and Forsyth Give Iconic Furniture a Bold Makeover with Stripes
Maggie and Anne Genovese, of Forsyth, teamed up with fashion designer Nikki Kule to reimagine some classic pieces.