George Nelson Furniture
American, 1908-1986
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.
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Creator: George Nelson
George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Original ebonised finish with warm patina. This is a hard to find original bench, retaining its foil la...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Maple
Expertly Restored -George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson "Bubble Lamp", USA circa 1952
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
USA, 1952
George Nelson & Associates for Howard Miller Clock Company. Sprayed fiberglass over metal frame with steel braces.
26”dia x 11”h
Ref. L5278
$ 3,200
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This is a rare American ‘Omni’ modular freestanding shelving system in walnut and aluminium, designed by George Nelson in 1952 and manufactured by Herman Miller, America.
The shelvi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Midcentury George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Tables
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A striking and rare pair of pedestal end tables, model #5655, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Crafted in walnut with enameled steel and aluminum bases, these tables embo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Enamel, Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office desk and Return 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office Desk and Return, 1955
Walnut case with laminate top and aluminum “H” base legs. The long cabinet is finished on all sides, featuring ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage 1220 Action Office George Nelson bookcase for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in LYON, FR
1220 Action Office George Nelson bookcase for Herman Miller
Rare 1220 model bookcase by George Nelson for Herman Miller from the Action Office series.
These shelves are modular, wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vintage Mid Century 4601 Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a lovely model 4601 cabinet in walnut by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the "Basic Cabinet Series", this piece features a simple two door design with adjustable in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
George Nelson for Herman Miller Twin Headboards w Hidden Storage, 1950s, Signed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early-production pair of twin headboards designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, featuring a clever hidden storage compartment that opens to reveal an internal storage with s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Fabric
$1,920 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather
By George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and beautiful ''Pretzel'' ArmChair, laminated wood and dark brown leather seat. Manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Price is for one chair. Pair available.
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Leather, Plywood
$2,800 / item
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Leather, Glass, Walnut
Rare George Nelson Flying Duck Chair on Casters. New Alexander Girard Fabric.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare "Flying Duck" chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Expertly reupholstered, including new foam, in Alexander Girard checkerboard fabric by Maharam in green and ye...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
Mid century modern walnut extension dining table by George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern original walnut extension dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with 2 leaves. This dining table has a walnut top with 2x walnut leaves that sto...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
$2,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful early example of the Action Office Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Desk features:
Walnut roll top
(4) action drawers
Ebonized black side panels
Deep inner file space
Cast aluminum frame
Foot rest
White laminate writing surface
Power outlet...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
$2,999 Sale Price
53% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Roll Top Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning vintage Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Designed in 1965 this drafting table is one of the 1970s productions from the iconic furniture company.
The piece ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk
George Nelson by Hermann Miller
1950
Laminated wood, aluminum base
Rare model.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa
Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Cathedral City, CA
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s
This is an iconic bubble lamp designed by George Nelson, originally for the Howard Miller Clock Company. As you can see in the images this has the original sticker still attached to the metal frame. These were in original production from the 50s through the very early 70s before production was discontinued. Newer ones have been produced by various companies including Modernica, Gossamer and now the officially licensed lamps are produced by Herman Miller. These produce the most beautiful yellow glow when lit. Vintage ones throw a nicer light since the material has mellowed where newer ones will throw a white light.
Bubble lamp pendant...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
This desk measures: 80.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 44.25 high
The return measures: 59 wide x 29.5 deep x 29 inches high...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
rare bookcase designed "css" model by george nelson for herman miller 1060
By George Nelson
Located in taranto, IT
Rare Sky/Earth modular bookcase model "CSS", designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960
composed of five height-adjustable aluminium uprights, 10 shelves, two wooden upper com...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The desk was made specifically for a client in the Promontory Apartment Building in Chicago designed by Nelson's associate, and world-renowned architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The entire apartment was outfitted in pieces from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series for Herman Miller that sat, untouched for nearly 70 years in their original setting! In addition to two aluminium sconces, this piece also features hidden, fluorescent lighting mounted in the upper canopy as a clever solution to Mies van der Rohe's lack of ceiling fixtures. This is a gorgeous, grandiose, and extremely rare piece of design history that will instantly outfit an entire office in striking style!
Features:
Desk:
- Book-matched walnut veneer
- Built-in Bar
- Built in coat closet/wardrobe
- Dual aluminum sconces
- Hidden, indirect fluorescent lighting
- Silver-plated Herman Miller hardware
- Dual "floating" book shelves
- Tapered, cantilevered peninsula desk...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
$14,000 Sale Price
60% Off
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
$1,600 Sale Price
50% Off
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Home Office Desk, 1946
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Home Office desk, 1946, model 4658
Desk features flip-top compartment revealing small organizer, two doors concealing three fixed shelve...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
CSS George Nelson bookcase, Mobilier International edition, 1970'
By George Nelson
Located in LYON, FR
CSS George Nelson modular bookcase
Black-stained ash and aluminum wall-mounted bookcase from the 1970s by designer George Nelson, published by Herman Miller and distributed in Europ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Mid Century Cane and Walnut Full Headboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid century walnut thin framed full size headboard with a natural woven cane insert . Designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller Furniture company model # 5547 . The headboard...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
By George Nelson
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Plastic
George Nelson, Cigar Wall Sconce, Plastic, Walnut, Nickel, Herman Miller, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
An early-production Cigar Bubble wall sconce in plastic polymer, walnut and brushed nickel; designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1952.
Variable dimensions...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Nickel
George Nelson Thin Edge Floating Queen Headboard for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool nice floating headboard designed by Nelson for Herman Miller , easy to hang on the wall simple elegant design great original condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
George Nelson For Herman Miller Headboard With Floating Nightstands
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A striking Mid-Century Modern design by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this headboard features a warm walnut veneer framed in sleek black trim. Integrated floating nightstands exte...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Black Enameled Mahogany 4 Drawer Dresser, 1950's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Bainbridge, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Basic Series" Four Drawer Black Dresser, circa 1955. Featuring a rectangular paneled Mahogany Cabinet, Dresser, four drawers, circular Lucite handles...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Lucite
Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller Long Slatted Platform Bench in Birch
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine American Mid-Century Modern slatted Platform Bench.
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
In natural and black-lacquered birch with three trapezoidal legs.
Model no....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Birch
George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Marshmallow sofa, model 5670
Manufactured by Herman Miller
A great example of an iconic form.
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel
Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Maple
Herman Miller Typewriter Desk Return by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing the iconic Herman Miller typewriter desk return, a testament to the visionary design of George Nelson. This exceptional piece seamlessly combin...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller - Set of Six Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller - Set of Six Dining Chairs
Includes: Two Armchairs and Four Side Chairs
A timeless mid-century modern design by George Nelson, crafted for Herman Mill...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Comprehensive Storage System by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production 'CSS" - Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959. This system is in excellent condition with the early Herman Miller lable cons...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Custom Hanging Walnut Cabinet from a National Historical Building
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two door Nelson walnut hanging cabinet with woven cane fronts and brass hardware, having a beveled bottom edge to the doors for ease of opening and folding to the top. Inside the b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Walnut George Nelson 5 Drawer Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Walnut Basic Cabinet Series 5 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. features the uncommon cupcake drawer pulls. the drawer boxes have been remade and outfit...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Thin Edge Secretary Desk Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1950s original Thin Edge secretary desk cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This early version features the rare black enamel stainless large pulls and tapered wood feet. Cabinet on the right includes an adjustable shelf and 2 drawers. Pull down desk is covered with black leather and features 5 drawers on the left side with original small white porcelain George Nelson drawer pulls...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$5,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Extremely Rare George Nelson Bubble Floor Lamp Original Birch Tripod Base 1950s
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Troy, MI
Extremely rare floor lamp designed by George Nelson & Associates
Offered through Howard Miller circa 1952
Tripod base in natural birch with brushed brass fittings and a round bubble...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early and Rare George Nelson Pretzel Chair American Mid Century
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful sculptural side chair. Pretzel designed in 1950s by George Nelson, amazing original finish and patina. Iconic and very rare chair hard to find a beautiful sculptural piece.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for purchase is this beautiful original mid-century table, featuring two butterfly leaves for easy extension. When fully extended, the table measures 82” in width.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
The Top has a very floating appearance.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
8000 Series 3 Door Credenza, George Nelson, Herman Miller, 1960's
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
This George Nelson for Herman Miller 8000 Series credenza features not two, but three sliding doors—a configuration so unusual we couldn't find another example online. At first, we a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
$3,752 Sale Price
20% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Action Office Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Robert Propst
Located in Garnerville, NY
The ultimate take on 20th Century Modern roll top desk designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller. The Action Office desk features a sliding solid walnut tambour t...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
$4,237 Sale Price
25% Off
George Nelson Birch & Brass Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Birch & Brass wall clock for Howard Miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage 3 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Walnut 3 drawer dresser with the classic cupcake pulls. This Dresser is part of the Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office Group Walnut Desk & Return
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 9000 Series Mid Century Walnut Desk and Return
This desk measures: 84 wide x 36 deep x 30 high, with a chair clearance of 28.75 inches
The return mea...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Walnut and Leather Twin Headboards
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller twin walnut headboards with full grain beige leather inset panels with tufting. The paneled doors lower to reveal shelf storage perfect for bo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
$1,320 Sale Price
70% Off
George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
Introduced in 1946, the slat platform bench was one of Nelson's first designs for Herman Miller after becoming their design director. Intended to serve as a table, a seat, or a base ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Maple
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Series Credenza/Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare Rosewood Thin Edge credenza/cabinet designed by George Nelson, Produced by Herman Miller in 1950s, with 5 drawers (1 hidden behind the door) and two shelves. Applied foil manu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
$6,597 Sale Price
40% Off
Iconic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
An iconic and authentic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock with its original stamp / maker’s mark intact.
Measurements: 19.5ʺ wide, 2.5" deep and 19....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Mid Century Ball Clock in Brass and Wood
By George Nelson
Located in Weesp, NL
Interestingly, while nearly all of the designs that came out of George’s studio were attributed to him, many were actually designed by him and his team. Some were even designed solely by someone else working at the studio.
Nelson famously recounted the story of how the Ball Clock came to life in an interview decades after it’s release:
“It was one of the really funny evenings. Noguchi came by, Bucky Fuller came by, and here was Irving, and here was I, and Noguchi - who can’t keep his hands off anything - he saw we were working on clocks and started making doodles. Then Bucky sort of brushed Isamu aside. He said, ‘This is a good way to do a clock’ and made some utterly absurd thing. Everybody was taking a crack at this, pushing each other aside and making scribbles. At some point we left – we were suddenly all tired, and we’d had a little bit too much to drink – and the next morning I came back, and here was this roll of paper, and Irving and I looked at it, and somewhere in this roll, there was a ball clock. I don’t know to this day who cooked it up.”
Nevertheless, whoever it was that came up with George Nelson’s designs, it’s almost certain that they would never have come to fruition if it wasn’t for George’s vision and forward-thinking approach.
Can you tell me more about his clocks?
George’s clocks were one of his most impressive bodies of work. In total, he and his team designed over 130 clocks in just three decades.
While it is widely accepted that Irving Harper was the lead designer for the Howard Miller Clock Company at George Nelson Associates, the collection arose after two insightful observations from George: one, that people no longer used the numbers to tell the time; and two, that since most people now used their wristwatch to tell the time, interior clocks were now free to become more decorative in nature.
The clocks were designed and released in batches of 8 and were initially only given numbers for names. The Sunflower Clock was simply ‘Clock 2261’, the Flock of Butterflies Clock was 'Clock 2226’, and so on.
The Ball was the first clock designed by George and his team and it was followed shortly after by the Star, Sunburst, Spindle, Asterisk, Turbine, Flock of Butterflies, Eye and others. The clocks were purposefully abstract and were designed to complement the modernist furniture emerging at the time.
As well as wall clocks, George’s studio also produced a series of desk clocks during that time, most notably the bubble-shaped Night Desk...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Brass
Small desk from the "Action Office" series by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Mobilier International, George Nelson
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Small desk from the "Action Office" series by George Nelson for Herman Miller, distributed by Mobilier International in France, 1968, featuring a storage pull-out.
A break on one rea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Chests/Dressers, a Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A beautiful pair of dressers designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Finished in a spectacular combed oak veneer. One of the most lively, beautiful, vibrant veneers we’ve ever s...
Category
Mid-20th Century George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Oak
$4,800 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern cream, brown, and navy checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Very few signs...
Category
1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather perch stool or chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Versatile chair with adjustable hand-stitched leather seat hav...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Slatted Bench Model #4690
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Birch slatted Bench
An early example C.1950
Original Finish
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Birch
A Classic Pair of George Nelson Night Stands Herman Miller Basic Series 1950's
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
A Classic Pair of George Nelson Night Stands Herman Miller Basic Series 1950's.. Great design,,One door and one drawer, Amazing interior shelf cubbies.. Classic aluminum "J" hand-pul...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Drexel, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and John Widdicomb. Prices for George Nelson furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $155 and can go as high as $48,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,411.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Furniture
- Why is George Nelson famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was an American designer, and for a time the lead designer for the famed Herman Miller furniture company. Nelson is often referred to as the founder of American modernist design and often associated with his more inspired pieces such as the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa and the Ball Clock. Shop a collection of George Nelson furniture designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What did George Nelson make?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was a furniture designer central to the mid-century modern design movement. His best-known creations are the marshmallow sofa, coconut chair, ball clock and bubble lamp series. His style included sleek, thin-edge lines on a variety of furniture still available today. Shop a range of George Nelson furniture designs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Modern George Nelson clocks are made in Poland. The company Vitra Designs manufactures the timepieces based on the original designs of the American designer who lived from 1908 to 1986. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of George Nelson clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson Bubble Lamps are made of steel wires, which form a durable framework for the lamp. A plastic polymer material spread over the wires forms the shade which is translucent to give the lamp a soft glow. Inspired by Swedish lamps, these mid-century modern light fixtures are still made by the legendary furniture manufacturer Herman Miller today. Shop a range of George Nelson Bubble Lamps on 1stDibs.
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