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.
Thin Edge Jewelry Chest by George Nelson 1954, Original, Rosewood, Teak, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare early George Nelson for Herman Miller nine drawer jewelry / miniature cabinet in rosewood and teak with porcelain pulls. Completely original, never refinished very good conditio...
Teak, Rosewood, Porcelain
Miniature Rosewood Wellington Chest
Located in Folkestone, GB
A charming early 19th century rosewood five drawer miniature Wellington chest with a stepped rectangular top above five graduated drawers wh...
Rosewood
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Brass
Po Shun Leong Hand Carved Exotic Wood Art Box Jewelry Chest, Signed
Located in Toledo, OH
Po Shun Leong hand carved exotic wood art box. Po Shun Leong is a contemporary wood artist who resides in California. He is well known for his intricate art boxes created out of exot...
Hardwood
George Nelson Miniature /Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rosewood,Enameled aluminum and porcelain An early example of this form,model # 5215 Base is original to the cabinet Disc Manufacturer's label.
Rosewood
Venetian Renaissance Jewelry Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare Venetian 16th century Italian traveling jewelry chest profusely decorated in Arabesque black and gilt decoration featuring rare specimen stone drawer fronts in a Palladian archi...
Wood
$2,325 / item
H 13.75 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Stacked Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The irregular stacked jewelry chest in cream shagreen by R&Y Augousti is a stunning geometric piece to store your personal items. This piece has 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Shagreen Stingray
Austrian Rectangular Rosewood Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large charming hand crafted box in rosewood. This rectangular box can be used to store your favorite pieces of jewelry as well a stand alone piece on a coffee table as decoration. A...
Wood, Rosewood
Sleek Cocobolo / Rosewood Trinket / Jewelry Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Super sleek and stylish rosewood trinket box, circa 1990s. The piece measures 5.75" W x 3.75" D x 2.25" H and has a an attached top. The bottom of the box is lined with brown velvet....
Rosewood, Cocobolo
Rhomboid Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Rhomboid jewelry chest in cream shagreen by R&Y Augousti is a stunning geometric piece to store your personal items. This piece has 3 drawer compartments and a flap top opening that have black velvet...
Shagreen Stingray
Continental Rosewood Miniature Chest Jewelry Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Diminutive rosewood chest of drawers with dark silver mounts. The miniature chest with drawer front with two lower working drawers. The top section lifts to reveal storage. Perfect t...
Rosewood
$385
H 1.5 in W 11.75 in D 6.75 in
Rosewood Jewelry Box Inspired by Wharton Esherick, Modern USA Design
By Wharton Esherick
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully made Rosewood Jewelry Box. 2 Triangular Lids open to reveal a velvet lined interior. Carved handle makes it easy to access interio...
Rosewood
Italian Leather Jewelry Box Scalloped Edge
Located in New York, NY
An Italian leather jewelry box with a Kelly-green velvet interior, circa early to mid-20th century, Italy. Box, with scalloped edge design,...
Leather, Velvet
