George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
View Similar Items
George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 39 in (99.06 cm)Depth: 29 in (73.66 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2010
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:Seller: 2021110891stDibs: LU918726052702
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.
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960By Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960. Absolutely beautiful and completely restored. Measure 18" wide, 18.5" deep, 22.5" tallCategory
Vintage 1960s American Night Stands
MaterialsRosewood
- Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Desk, 1960Located in Chicago, ILMid-Century Modern rosewood desk, circa 1960s. Newly refinished rosewood top with black ebonized base.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950By George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson thin edge for Herman Miller Rosewood 5 drawer Dresser, 1950. Restored and absolutely beautiful. The other dresser and pair nightstands is sold in separate listing. Meas...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsRosewood
- George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950By Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Chicago, ILGeorge Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950. Other dresser and nightstands are all sold in separate listings. Dresser measures 39.5" tall 39.75" wide 18.5" deepCategory
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsRosewood
- Karl Springer Lucite Sculpture Leg Coffee Table, 1980By Karl SpringerLocated in Chicago, ILLucite sculpture leg coffee table by Karl Springer with glass top.Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsGlass, Lucite
- Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass LegsBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Chicago, ILFully restored in beautiful fog grey mohair over polished brass legs. Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsBrass
- 1950s George Nelson Swag Leg DeskBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Brooklyn, NYOriginal Swag leg desk, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Colorful cubbyholes and molded drawers allow for a tidy and streamlined workspace. O...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
$3,100 Sale Price50% Off - George Nelson Swaged-Leg deskLocated in Oosterbeek, NLGeorge Nelson desk model 5850 design 1954 for Herman miller special version with black legs one of the inside plastic drawer is missingCategory
Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Writing Desk by George NelsonBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Sagaponack, NYA single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Los Angeles, CAGeorge Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsChrome
- George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Chicago, ILA rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960sBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Berlin, DEGeorge Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
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.