Pair of George Nelson Chairs
View Similar Items
Pair of George Nelson Chairs
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hudson, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: DF-H-124-141stDibs: 15032480181205
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.
- Pair of George Nelson Inspired Child-Size Slat Folding ChairBy George NelsonLocated in Van Nuys, CAMid-century children's folding slat wood chair inspired by George Nelson, set of two.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson, Limited Edition Daf Swag Leg Dining ChairBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in San Francisco, CAA rare set of four swag legged dining chairs designed in 1958 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Cream colored fiberglass on a black enameled base. All in excellent original conditi...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Early and Rare George Nelson Pretzel Chair, 1952 SculptureBy George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYWonderful sculptural side chair. Pretzel designed in 1952 by George Nelson, amazing original finish and patina.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
MaterialsPlywood
- 1950s Dining Chairs by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in Sagaponack, NYAn early dining chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller, having tubular zinc-plated frames with floating upholstered seats and backs.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Pair of George I Walnut Side ChairsLocated in Kittery Point, METhe crestings above solid vase-shaped splats, the waisted uprights above shaped drop-in seats raised on cabriole legs with pad feet. Possibly American.Category
Antique Early 18th Century English George I Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
- George III Hall ChairLocated in Stamford, CTEnglish George III mahogany hall chair with later armorial decoration. From the collection of Ann Landers.Category
Antique 19th Century English George III Side Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
$2,950 / set
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.