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
Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of white leather stools or 'Perch Chairs' by George Nelson for Vitra. Designed 1964. This pair is manufactured in 2010 by Vitra. Some signs of use ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
1950's Original George Nelson Herman Miller X Leg Extension Dining Table 5260
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare and stunning original George Nelson & Associates X-Leg dining table in oak. This example is a classic George Nelson piece, showcasing tubular x-legs and a c...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson steel frame cabinet. One walnut front drawer on top and 2 Yellow Sliding doors. Steel Frame and drawer fronts all refin...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
George Nelson Credenza for Herman Miller, Walnut and White Lacquer, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Round Rock, TX
A wonderful credenza designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the Executive Office Group (EOG) line designed for executive offices of the period.
Featuring lovely wal...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Ebonized X Leg Dining Table / Desk 7230-X
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare George nelson X leg dining table / desk, produced by Herman Miller. This example is the model number 7230-X ta...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Thin Edge Walnut Dresser with Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Oak
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Twin Headboard 2x Available
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (two are available, though sold separately) Model 4695 George Nelson for Herman Miller twin headboard. The piece is forme...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single Coconut Lounge Chair, designed by George Nelson. This handsome lounge chair is composed of a molded reinforced plastic shell, with an upholstered black leather seat ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Leather, Plastic
1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Oak, Wood
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller 5259 X-Leg Dining Table with Walnut Top
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Soft Edge Curved Dining Table, model 5259, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. The piece has a walnut top and white enam...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel, Enamel
George Nelson Coconut Chair in Alexander Girard Minicheck
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic coconut chair designed by George Nelson. A low-slung lounge profile with spacious seat for superior comfort. Triangular fiberglass shell rests on architectural brushed-steel t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955. Professionally restored in showroom condition, this beautiful desk has a drop leaf on the left side with all orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1953 George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Edge Series 5221 Rosewood Dresser Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1953 production Model 5221 Thin Edge dresser / cabinet, designed by George Nelson, produced by Herman Miller. Notably, this example was specified in the mo...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Modular Table Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller with Pierre Frey cushion
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“design is a response to social change“ george nelson said, the director of design with office furniture manufacturer herman miller. economic growth and larger companies lead to rapi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rosewood Thin Edge chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout just ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair cleara...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson, Wall Light, Metal, Walnut, Resin, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable brass, walnut and resin wall light, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s.
Please note cord feeds from bottom of stem and functions via plug...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Modular Sofa Seating, Gerogen Nelson for Herman Miller, covered in Dedar fabric
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“design is a response to social change“ george nelson said, the director of design with office furniture manufacturer herman miller. economic growth and larger companies lead to rapi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Pair Walnut Two Door Cabinet George Nelson Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkably Iconic rare pair of double door cabinets designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line circa 1950s. Iconic pi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 8 Mid Century Modern Teak Dining Chairs by George Nelson - Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of eight Mid Century Modern dining chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller C1960. Two armchairs, 21x 21 x 29.5h x 18.5 seat height, Arms are 25h. Teak wood is in origi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson - 4 File Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson
We have a pair of these (found together) listed separately. These appear to be ups...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout the case and drawer fronts with new spinning top a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Perch Stool in Black Leather by George Nelson and Robert Propst
By George Nelson
Located in Dronten, NL
Perch stool, drafting chair designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst.
Black leather, chrome base. Vitra edition.
Provenance; the German Bank for Doctors...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
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 Midcentury Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller midcentury Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa
This sofa measures: 87 wide x 32 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Early George Nelson Eog Executive Desk with Return for Herman Miller, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely stunning Mid-Century Modern desk designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The Executive Office Group, NO 8000 Series...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Birch, Walnut
Special Pedestal Occasional Coffee Table No. 5452, George Nelson, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
the versatile classic, designed by george nelson in 1954, was initially produced in 2 sizes with black or white legs and table plates made from chipboard, the edge of the table cover...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller White Swag Chair, One Chair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Basel, BS
Absolutely 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 George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Light Brown Patterned Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, model ‘5671’, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78.
This wonderful midcentury sofa is designed by the renowned American ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Original George Nelson Coconut Chair, Vitra, Black Leather, White Shell, Chrome
By George Nelson
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Original George Nelson Coconut Chair, Vitra, Black Leather, White Shell, Chrome
Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured by Vitra. Black leather...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Walnut veneer Pedestal Occ. Coffee Table No 5452, George Nelson, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
the versatile classic, designed by george nelson in 1954, was initially produced in 2 sizes with black or white legs and table plates made from chipboard, the edge of the table cover...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table
Classic vintage mid century modern side table wit...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kite Wall Clock by George Nelson, Howard Miller, Vitra Label
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern kite wall clock by George Nelson, Howard Miller, Vitra Label
George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) Group of Table and Wall Clocks for Howard Miller, Vitra Design Museum, Poland/Germany, designed 1949-1954 Vitra Design Museum labels, With battery-operated mechanisms
The Kite clock...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
6 Teak Dining Chairs by Svegards Markaryd, Sweden
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great set of 6 solid teak ladder back dining chairs by Svegards Markaryd. Chairs are burnt marked Svegards Markaryd made in Sweden.
Priced per chair. Multiples of 2 may be purchased.
These items are located at our Los Angeles Arts District gallery...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Teak
Swag Leg Chair 1958 by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in London, GB
The "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 George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood thin edge tall chest for Herman Miller. Featuring five drawers, two with fitted dividers on aluminum legs and original...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Rosewood Rectangular Dining Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller 2 Leaves
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Stunning Mid-Century Modern solid walnut base rosewood top dining table with 2 x 20" extension boards leafs. Has self storage leafs compartment. Designed by George Nelson for Herman ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
This chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Daybed Sofa in Blue Checker Reupholstery by Alexander Girard
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson daybed for Herman Miller in newly upholstered Alexander Girard Maharam "Checker" fabric.
George Nelson and Alexander Girard were both A...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Early Original George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Amazing Condition. Signed
By George Nelson, Irving Harper, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Orignal production iconic Marshmallow Sofa designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson Office therefore attributed to George Nelson. Manufactured by Herman Miller and signed who...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage Slat Platform Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Hardwood slats with ebony-colored base. In very nice patinated condition.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Maple
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" dresser for Herman Miller Model 5221, U.S.A. Eight drawers that graduate in size from top to bottom and operate effortlessly. Polished aluminum spinn...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Howard Miller Midcentury Lucite Grandfather Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid Century lucite Grandfather Clock
This clock measures: 13 wide x 9 deep x 55.25 inches high
We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
1950s George Nelson Thin Edge Walnut Dressers for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Just in, two matching dressers designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c1950s. Sourced from the original owner in the Pacific Palisades of California, these beauties have receiv...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest – Pair
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest – Pair
Each chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high
All pi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
This chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Set of Four George Nelson ''Pretzel'' Armchair Made by ICF, Italy, 1984-1986
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and beautiful set of four ''Pretzel'' armchairs made in laminated wood and manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova.
Originally designed for Herman Miller in...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Chest of Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in London, GB
Made in the United States in middle of the 20th century, this pair of chests are a design classic by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
One has three drawers and the other four - ple...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-century George Nelson Secretary Dresser and desk for Herman Miller, 1960's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Secretary for Herman Miller, 1960's
Walnut
Herman Miller tag on inside of drawer.
5 drawers and a pull-down desktop.
Measures: ...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Plywood
Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large Version
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Bern, CH
Design classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version.
Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George Nelson thin edge chests or nightstands. The items are rosewood veneer with four pull-out drawers and metal legs.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson - 1 File Drawer
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Herman Miller Executive credenza by George Nelson
We have a pair of these (found together) listed separately. These appear to be ups...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Unit
By George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
The George Nelson CSS Unit, is a stylish and functional addition to the renowned Herman Miller furniture collection. Designed by the visionary George Nelson, this CSS unit seamlessly combines form and function to elevate any modern workspace or living area.
This unit was acquired out of a beautiful Palm Springs estate last year. We finally assembled it in our gallery. There is one additional shelve not pictured. Totally configurable. This unit is likely of mid 1980’s vintage based on the other pieces in the house. It will be disassembled for shipping and will require some installation upon delivery.
This unit features the rare record holder and record player holder...
Category
20th Century American 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
Midcentury George Nelson Gentlemens Secretary Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
George Nelson
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an important modernist whose work cut across the fields of interior, industrial and exhibition design. Nelson studied architecture at Yale University in the 1920s, and in the next two decades earned a strong reputation as a writer on design for Architectural Forum, Interiors and Fortune.
In 1945 Nelson began a long association with the Herman Miller Furniture Company of Zeeland, Michigan, where as head designer he developed an innovative line of furniture and commissioned new designs from others. His first commission was Isamu Noguchi`s biomorphic glass-topped coffee table, which began production in 1947, the first of many designs that the sculptor would create for Herman Miller in the late Forties. Nelson also was responsible for bringing the designs of Charles Eames to Herman Miller, and he collaborated with R. Buckminster Fuller on a number of projects.
Among Nelson`s own creations are classic works of 1950s design, including the bubble lamp, ball clock, marshmallow sofa and the pole-supported wall-storage system. Nelson also designed numerous exhibitions, including the 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow, and the Chrysler Corporation display at the 1964 New York World`s Fair.
Vintage midcentury George Nelson walnut secretary
1960s
A great example of early George Nelson design. Secretary desk and dresser...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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George Nelson Clocks
George Nelson Desks
George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables
George Nelson Lounge Chairs
George Nelson Credenzas
George Nelson Sofas
George Nelson Dining Room Tables