Nelson Sunflower Clock

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.

Antique, new and vintage wall clocks have become available over the years in a diverse range of materials, such as wood, metal and glass, as well as styles from mid-century modern to Industrial.

Wall clocks have been designed by acclaimed creators and manufacturers such as Howard Miller Clock Company, Junghans Uhren GmbH, Pragotron and more. The Ball clock and Sunflower clock, which were created by designer Irving Harper in George Nelson’s studio during the mid-century era, are known to design enthusiasts and have become highly collectible over the years.

Whether you want an antique timepiece or one that will match a modern motif, you are sure to find one to suit any home or office decor.

The wall clocks of today have come a long way from the mechanical timepieces that originated in the 14th century. One of the most famous clocks from this era was made by Italian astronomer and physician Giovanni de’ Dondi and took approximately 16 years to complete. By the 17th century, wall clocks were popular luxury objects for the home.

Wall clock choices are not limited to just something that keeps time. A 19th-century bronze cartel clock and barometer set is an elegant addition to a foyer, while a vintage world-map clock allows you to see the time in several locations at once. Cleverly designed clocks have been created for all manner of tastes over the years.

On 1stDibs, you will find wall clocks and other types of antique and vintage clocks from various time periods, from Louis XV to Art Deco, and from all over the world, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Bring a touch of class and personality into your living room or dining room with a unique timepiece.