Peter Protzman for Herman Miller Zebrawood and Chrome Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Peter Protzmann (Designer),Herman Miller (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 60 in (152.4 cm)Depth: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Portland, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U120502935336
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Chrome
Vintage 1980s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Steel
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Onyx, Granite, Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.