Iconic Petite Credenza by George Nelson for Herman Miller
View Similar Items
Iconic Petite Credenza by George Nelson for Herman Miller
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Similar to:Knoll (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Depth: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: andrew1stDibs: LU108401761302
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.
- PETITE LUDO Chandelier in White Enamel, Brass by Blueprint Lighting, NYCBy Blueprint Lighting, StilnovoLocated in New York, NYEnamel color may be specified. Our standard enamel colors are shown in the final image. There is no additional lead time or cost for these colors and they may all be produced in satin or high gloss finishes. You may also specify nearly anything in the RAL fanbook. Frame and hardware patina may be specified, but may impact lead time and cost slightly. We also make corresponding wall sconces articulated reading lights in this design and can produce this chandelier at practically any size oval or circle Five-arm round PETITE LUDO...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsAluminum, Nickel, Chrome, Enamel, Bronze, Brass
- Petite Magari Adjustable Wall Lamp in Black, White & Brass by Blueprint LightingBy Blueprint Lighting, Stilnovo, Gino SarfattiLocated in New York, NYThe Petite Magari wall lamp or sconce is handmade to order by Blueprint Lighting. The shade has a swivel mechanism for rotation. This design is...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
- Petite Centric Wall Sconce in Fuschia Enamel Mesh & Brass by Blueprint LightingBy Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, StilnovoLocated in New York, NYThe Petite Centric wall sconce or flushmount is a stately take on French modernism, featuring a spun metal mesh shade. A more compact versio...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
- Petite Centric Wall Sconce in White Enamel Mesh & Brass by Blueprint LightingBy Mathieu Matégot, Blueprint Lighting, StilnovoLocated in New York, NYThe petite centric wall sconce or flushmount is a stately take on French modernism, featuring a spun metal mesh shade. A more compact versio...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
- Petite Centric Wall Sconce in Black Enamel Mesh and Brass by Blueprint LightingBy Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting, Mathieu MatégotLocated in New York, NYThe Petite Centric wall sconce or flushmount is a stately take on French modernism, featuring a spun metal mesh shade. A more compact versio...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsBrass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
- 'Elska' Wall Mount Reading Lamp in Walnut, Brass & Enamel by Blueprint LightingBy Gino Sarfatti, Stilnovo, George NelsonLocated in New York, NYEnamel color may be specified. (Enamel color shown in this listing is "Perfect White") Our standard enamel colors are shown in the final image. There is no additional lead time or co...Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsAluminum, Brass, Enamel
- George Nelson 8000 Series Credenza for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Little Burstead, EssexThis is a beautiful example of the classic Nelson design for Herman Miller's executive office group, the top and sides are Walnut, and the sliding doors are black and white laminate ...Category
Vintage 1960s Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, RefinishedBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By George Nelson for Herman Miller USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut, with original aluminum hardware. ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsAluminum
- Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson - 1 File DrawerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILVintage 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 Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson - 4 File DrawersBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILVintage 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 Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Low Walnut CredenzaBy George NelsonLocated in Denton, TXRare Glass sliding doors on a walnut display cabinet with adjustable shelves. Chrome legs with original Domes of silence glides. The Herman Miller badge is missing, please see pictur...Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage MCM George Nelson for Herman Miller Custom Designed Sideboard CredenzaBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller custom designed sideboard credenza. A stunning piece of iconic furniture from George Nelson for Herman Miller. This sideboard credenza features a custom red granite top, rolling caster legs, a black sliding front door, ample drawers and shelves, and includes an additional George Nelson desk hutch...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood
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.