George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Chairs
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer),Herman Miller (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Depth: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Original frames, wood refinished, New upholstery, and foam.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: C000033531stDibs: LU847429869762
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.
Herman Miller
No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful, iconic and, one can even say, noblest chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever.
Founded in 1923, Herman Miller was originally known for grand historicist bedroom suites: heavily ornamented wood furniture that appealed to a high-minded, wealthier clientele. The company — named for its chief financial backer — began to suffer in the early 1930s as the Great Depression hit, and D.J. De Pree, the company’s CEO, feared bankruptcy. In 1932, aid came in the form of Gilbert Rohde, a self-taught furniture designer who had traveled widely in Europe, absorbing details of the Art Deco movement and other modernist influences. After persuading De Pree that the growing middle class required smaller, lighter household furnishings, Rohde set a new course for Herman Miller, creating sleek chairs, tables and cabinetry that were the essence of the Streamline Moderne style.
Rohde died suddenly in 1944. The following year, De Pree turned to George Nelson, an architect who had written widely about modern furniture design. Under Nelson’s leadership, Herman Miller would embrace new technologies and materials and audacious biomorphic forms.
Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
Find a range of vintage Herman Miller office chairs, desks, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and DresserBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and Dresser, Model 4112 Desk and Model 4014 Dresser, Angled Steel White Frames with Walnut drawer ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform Bench with Four Drawer ChestBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Platform bench with four drawer chest. 4690 Platform bench 68" in lenght painted black bench. and 4701 Four rawer chest with wire pulls. The case, not connected, can be moved to desired position on bench. Case is the same depth as bench 18...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsOak
- George Nelson Bench or StoolBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILNelson for Herman Miller bench or vanity stool, model 4698 Solid black lacquer legs with ergonomic curved seat reupholstered with great plains boucle.Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Footstools
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Rare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for OmniBy George NelsonLocated in Chicago, ILRare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for Omni, One case features Four drawers in walnut and sliding door storage, and the other unit is mostly open for Display. They are finished...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson Prototype Domino ClockBy George NelsonLocated in Chicago, ILNelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller. This is the only clock and was never produced. Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Clocks
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant LampBy George Nelson, Nessen LightingLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp: Designed by Lucia DeRespinis (1960) for George Nelson's office for Nessen Studio, Textured enameled metal hexagonal shaped pyramid wi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Rare & Original George Nelson Steel Frame Lounge Chairs Pair Herman Miller 1950sBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Philadelphia, PASuper rare! George Nelson for Herman Miller steel frame chairs, model 5080 Easy Lounge Chairs. Original painted frames with solid wood arms. Orig...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller RestoredBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Kansas City, MOGeorge Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Birch
- Pair. George Nelson for Herman Miller Cube Arm Chairs Model 4774By George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in New York, NYSophisticated, chic, voguish pair of lounge chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller circa 1950s. The chairs feature solid maple frames with thick upholstered seats and bac...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Maple
- George Nelson Pair Chairs for Herman Miller, Oversized, Velvet, circa 1965By George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Vienna, ATRare pair George Nelson chairs for Herman Miller, circa 1965 Stylish oversized chairs in petrol velvet with brushed steel feet. They are in good original condition with no major flaws and ready to use. Labelled at the bottom. Main focus of these chairs certainly lies on the very desirable and scarce size of 37" x 37" and 27" height. They are very elegant yet comfortable. Will ship crated...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage MCM George Nelson 5476 Lounge Chair for Herman Miller Fuchsia FabricBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome vintage MCM (a.k.a.) Mid-Century Modern 5476 lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Comprised of a walnut frame and fuchsia fabric. Beautiful condition, k...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
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.