George Nelson Walnut Armchairs, Herman Miller- A Pair
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 20 in (50.8 cm)Seat Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Raleigh, NC
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5661234931342
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Raleigh, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- George Nelson Steel Frame Chest of Drawers, Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Raleigh, NCAn all original George Nelson small dresser. In good vintage condition with sign of age and use. Minor chipping of painted drawer fronts, loss of paint, oxidation to frame. Herma...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsSteel
- Mid Century Italian Armchairs, a PairLocated in Raleigh, NCA dynamic pair of mid century Italian armchairs. In the style of Gio Ponti these have a cozy feel and sculptural silhouette. Newly upholstered in alpaca wool boucle they are very so...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Dramatic Antique Wingback Armchairs, a PairLocated in Raleigh, NCAn elegant pair of antique wingback chairs. These have dramatic silhouettes with new mohair upholstery.Category
Early 20th Century Wingback Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Hardwood
- Leon Rosen Swivel Chair, Pace FurnitureBy Pace Furniture Company, Leon RosenLocated in Raleigh, NCA stunning vintage example newly upholstered. Striking Macassar ebony case with gloss lacquer finish. 1970s swivel chair from Pace Furniture. Minor imperfections to the case.Category
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Ebony
- Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs, a PairLocated in Raleigh, NCA stunning pair of walnut framed lounge chairs. Sculpted frame with cane back and a refined look these are elegant and modern. Newly upholstered in mohair.Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- 1970s Abstract Expressionist Painting on Canvas by Shelley HermanLocated in Raleigh, NCVivid color and movement to this original acrylic on canvas. Signed and dated on the verso. Shelley Herman 1970 "June Breath".Category
Vintage 1970s North American Modern Paintings
MaterialsPaint, Canvas
- Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller RestoredBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Kansas City, MOGeorge Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Berlin, DESet of four armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in black aniline leather. Original Herman Miller circle tag presen...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsChrome
- Space Age Armchair by George Nelson DAF La Fonda for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Saarbrücken, SLOrange DAF chair by George Nelson with slight patina and signs of use.Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Fiberglass
- Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 5681, by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by George Nelson, this pair of clean-lined model 5681 lounge chairs were produced by Herman Miller from 1956 to 1967. Raised on square chrome legs, the upholstered club seat...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsChrome
- Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Dorchester, MADesigned by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Birch
- Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel ChairBy George NelsonLocated in Sarasota, FLGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller pretzel chair. Rare and beautiful chair with very low production. Production being this one either 1957 or 1958. Believed to be under 100 of these ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBentwood
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.