George Nelson Steel Frame Seating System
View Similar Items
George Nelson Steel Frame Seating System
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 96 in (243.84 cm)Depth: 28 in (71.12 cm)Seat Height: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1954
- Condition:Very good condition,some small tears and scratches in vinyl,consistent with age.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U0810228474100
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, as well as its competitor, the Howard Miller Clock Company. 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 these pages, 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 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. As you can see on 1stDibs, such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
- 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 Bench or StoolBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated 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
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform Bench with Four Drawer ChestBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated 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 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
- George Nakashima Studio Conoid BenchBy George Nakashima, George Nakashima StudioLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nakashima Studio Conoid bench, 84" long. Strongly figured American black walnut with hickory spindles. Sold with a certificate of authenticity Measure: seat height 12.50".Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsHickory, Walnut
- George Nelson Modular Seating System Bench in Alexander Girard Checker FabricBy George NelsonLocated in Seattle, WANelson’s studio “George Nelson & Associates” produced countless designs that were ahead of their time, including the Nelson Modular Seating System from which we have this three piece sectional set. The system was gorgeous line of products that Herman Miller produced between 1956-1978. The wide array of Nelson’s Modular System can be found in all shapes and sizes to this day. Sofas, loveseats, chairs, armless seating, end tables and more; it was meant to fulfill the needs of any space large or small. This rare bench has been completely restored and re-upholstered with the iconic Alexander Girard...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsSteel
$4,271 Sale Price25% Off - George Nelson by Herman Miller leather Modular System SofaBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Nijlen, VANVery nice and playful seat made in the United States. This seat was designed by very famous designer George Nelson. He designed this seat for 1 of America's most famous furniture...Category
Vintage 1980s Benches
MaterialsLeather
- George Nelson Platform BenchBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Palm Springs, CAGeorge Nelson platform bench for Herman Miller, Michigan. Bench measures 68.25" wide, 18.5" deep and 14" high. Bench is all original.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWood
Sold$3,200 - Early Original George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Amazing Condition. SignedBy Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving HarperLocated in Kansas City, MOOrignal 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
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
MaterialsAluminum, Steel
- Beautiful Mid-Century Walnut Slatted Bench Chrome Frame Style of George NelsonBy George Nelson, Herman Miller, Mueller FurnitureLocated in BROOKLYN, NYBeautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slatted bench chrome frame style of George Nelson . Very clean 1960s bench. Made by Mueller Furniture Company USA. Very High Quality construction walnut and chrome plated steel are in great vintage condition. Has adjustable feet very heavy bench...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsChrome, Steel
$2,625 Sale Price25% Off - George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame 2-Piece Seating & Table 60sBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA sleek and minimal modular steel frame 2-piece seating system and tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Circa 1960s. Sleek and functional design with built in laminate white ta...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric
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.