Roll-Top Tambour Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
View Similar Items
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Roll-Top Tambour Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
$8,250List Price
About the Item
Really stylish and classic early 60`s piece. George Nelson`s Action Office system revolutionised the field of office design. The range of units looked nothing like conventional desks and performed spatial functions for a liberated modern office environment. Described as genuine innovation, the range of units was comprehensive.
George Nelson Biography
George Nelson Architect and Designer: Biography
George Nelson (1908-1986) was, together with Charles & Ray Eames, one of the founding fathers of American modernism. We like to think of George Nelson as "The Creator of Beautiful and Practical Things".
George Nelson was born in Hartford Connecticut in 1908.
He passed away in New York City in 1986.
George Nelson studied Architecture at Yale University, where he graduated in 1928. He also received a bachelor degree in fine arts in 1931. A year later while preparing for the Paris Prize competition he won the Rome prize. With Eliot Noyes, Charles Eames and Walter B. Ford.
George Nelson was part of a generation of architects that found too few projects and turned successfully toward product, graphic and interior design.
Based in Rome he travelled through Europe where he met a number of the modernist pioneers. A few years later he returned to the U.S.A. to devote himself to writing. Through his writing in "Pencil Points" he introduced Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Gio Ponti to North America. At "Architectural Forum" he was first associate editor (1935- 1943) an later consultant editor (1944-1949). He defended sometimes ferociously the modernist principles and irritated many of his colleagues who as "industrial designers" made, according to Nelson too many concessions to the commercial forces in industry.
By 1940 George Nelson had drawn popular attention with several innovative concepts. In his post-war book: Tomorrow's House, for instance he introduced the concept of the"family room". One of those innovative concepts, the "storagewall" attracted the attention of D.J. De Pree, Herman Miller's president. In 1945 De Pree asked him to become Herman Miller's design director, an appointment that became the start of a long series of successful collaborations with Ray and Charles Eames, Harry Bertoia, Richard Schultz, Donald Knorr and Isamu Noguchi. Although both Bertoia and Noguchi expressed later on regrets about their involvement, it became a uniquely successful period for the company and for George Nelson. He set new standards for the involvement of design in all the activities of the company, and in doing so he pioneered the practice of corporate image management, graphic programs and signage.
George Nelson's catalogue design and exhibition designs for Herman Miller close a long list of involvements designed to make design to the most important driving force in the company. From his start in the mid-forties to the mid-eighties his office worked for and with the best of his times. At one point Ettore Sottsass worked at his office. He was without any doubt the most articulate and one of the most eloquent voices on design and architecture in the U.S.A. of the 20th century. He was a teacher and he did write extensively, organized conferences like the legendary Aspen gatherings and published several books. Among the best known designs are his marshmallow sofa, the coconut chair, the Catenary group, his clocks and many other products that became milestones in the history of a profession that he helped to shape.
We are pleased to acknowledge www.georgenelson.org for the above research.
- Dimensions:Height: 33.86 in (86 cm)Width: 53.94 in (137 cm)Depth: 29.73 in (75.5 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1964
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 7401stDibs: U0712218404238
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2007
69 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
Associations
20th Century Specialists
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All"Bureau Little Shanghai" Desk by Aymeric Lefort
Located in London, GB
"Bureau Little Shanghai" Limited Edition desk by Aymeric Lefort, France, 2006.
"Bureau Little Shanghai" desk with two drawers and metal legs. Zebrano and ebony with black leat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Stone and Glass "Titan" Computer Desk by Pete Carling, 2005
By Pete Carling
Located in London, GB
"Titan" computer desk in Portland stone, Turkish Burr Walnut and glass; the lower pedestals, from solid blocks of best quality Portland stone, have been ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Stone, Stainless Steel
Custom-Made 'Black' Galets by Stephane Ducatteu for Decoratum
By Stephane Ducatteau
Located in London, GB
Custom-made 'Black' Galets Centre Table Metal Structure by Stephane Ducatteau, France 2007. Signed.
All Ducatteau pieces are available exclusively from ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Side Tables
Materials
Concrete, Steel
Forest Cabinet by Pedro Sousa for Boca Do Lobo, Portugal, 2009
By Pedro Sousa
Located in London, GB
Limited Edition "Forest" Cabinet by Pedro Sousa for Boca Do Lobo, Portugal, 2009.
This exotic cabinet was inspired by nature with the artist's intention...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Cabinets
Materials
Stainless Steel, Gold Leaf
"Wavy C" Cabinet by Peter Stern
By Peter Stern
Located in London, GB
"Wavy C" cabinet by Peter Stern, England, 2011/2012.
The drawer fronts and carcass edges are constructed in layered and polished plywood. The exposed ca...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Sideboards
Materials
Steel
$23,500 / item
"Morris Dancers" by James M Grainger
By James Grainger
Located in London, GB
"Morris Dancers" by James M Grainger.
We loved this quintessentially English, yet slightly surreal take on traditional Morris dancing.
Category
Late 20th Century English Paintings
You May Also Like
Pink Roll Top Standing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s USA
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare and highly collectible original vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller roll top "Action Desk" refinished in a salmon pink.
Early productions of this piece are far more va...
Category
Vintage 1950s Canadian Desks
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Chrome
1975 George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office II Series Roll-Top Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Action Office II Series roll-top desk, designed by George Nelson in 1965. This example dates to 1975 and is dated as such. The piece features a rich walnut-ve...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit by Herman Miller, circa 1970s
By Herman Miller
Located in Kensington, MD
Organizational Survival in a Work-at-Home World — George Nelson ‘Action’ Roll-Top Desk Wall Unit
Additional information:
Fantastic and functional space saving desk suited for organizational survival in a work at home world.
Manufactured by Herman Miller, circa 1970s.
Upper storage compartment complete with original overhead lighting.
Separate rolling file drawer cabinet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Roll Top Action Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This is a wonderful early example of the Action Office Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Desk features:
Walnut roll top
(4) action drawers
Ebonized black side panels
Deep inner file space
Cast aluminum frame
Foot rest
White laminate writing surface
Power outlet...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
$2,999 Sale Price
53% Off
Midcentury Action Office Roll Top Desk George Nelson for H Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller George Nelson action office series drafting desk
1965 design
This vintage roll-top writing desk is from the Herman Miller "Action...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Aluminum
