George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench
View Similar Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer),Herman Miller (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 60 in (152.4 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2010
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU154624864393
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.
- Herman Miller Eames La Fonda Coffee TableBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful and iconic Herman Miller Eames La Fonda Coffee table chrome base with new custom marble top. All foot glides present for use on m...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Mel Smilow Slat Bench in WalnutLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful Mel Smilow walnut slat bench. Elegant silhouette with simple lines and just the right proportions. Also often used as a coffee table. Top and sides have been sanded and oil...Category
Mid-20th Century Benches
MaterialsWalnut
- Mel Smilow Slat Bench/End Table in WalnutBy Mel SmilowLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful Mel Smilow walnut slat bench. Elegant silhouette with simple lines and just the right proportions. Also could be used as a coffee table. Top and sides have been sanded and ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- Eames RAR Parchment Rocking Chair for Herman MillerBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYParchment fiberglass RAR rocking chair by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller. Clean shell with no cracks or holes. Signed Herman Miller and guaranteed authentic....Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Herman Miller Eames Dining SetBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYGorgeous and bright set of Herman Miller Eames dining chairs and table. All authentic Herman Miller. Chairs are vintage but have been color coated in fun colors. New Eiffel bases fin...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
MaterialsFiberglass, Laminate
$3,999 / item - Herman Miller Eames Dining SetBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful vintage Herman Miller Eames dining set. Featuring 48 inch diameter round dining table with four matching fiberglass chairs. Table and chairs all signed and guaranteed authe...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
MaterialsSteel
- Midcentury George Nelson Slatted Bench for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in New York, NYAn American Midcentury-Modern classic. This slatted bench was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. It comprised of maple with ebonized legs. A design of balance, symmetry, an...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsMaple
- Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple BlondeBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in BROOKLYN, NYBeautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsMaple, Lacquer
$2,600 Sale Price20% Off - Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde / BlackBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYBeautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWood, Birch
- SOLD 04/30/24 George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Slat BenchBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Slat Bench This bench measures: 72 wide x 18.5 deep x 14.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson Long Slat Bench Black Finish Herman Miller Mid-Century Modern 1950By Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Miami, FLOriginal George Nelson early long slat bench in ebonized Birch Wood designed in the 1950s and manufactured by Herman Miller. Great for a Hallway Bench where Kids can change Shoes an...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWood, Birch
- Vintage Slat Platform Bench by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in Brooklyn, NYVintage slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Hardwood slats with ebony-colored base. In very nice patinated condition.Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsMaple
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.