George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame 2-Piece Seating & Table 60s
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 136 in (345.44 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Keego Harbor, MI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2715339453242
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: Keego Harbor, MI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Vintage MCM George Nelson for Herman Miller Custom Designed Sideboard CredenzaBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller custom designed sideboard credenza. A stunning piece of iconic furniture from George Nelson for Herman Miller. This sideboard credenza features a custom red granite top, rolling caster legs, a black sliding front door, ample drawers and shelves, and includes an additional George Nelson desk hutch...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson Herman Miller White Laminate Pedestal Dinette Mid Century TableBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA George Nelson for Herman Miller pedestal dinette table. A fantastic little table with a white laminate table top, a wooden table, and a white aluminum base with x-shaped legs. This...Category
Mid-20th Century Tables
MaterialsLaminate
- George Nelson for Herman Miller 3 Bay Omni System Mid Century Shelving Wall UnitBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Keego Harbor, MIAn Omni system wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A gorgeous mid century modern wall unit featuring sleek, brushed aluminum framing, and walnut ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Walnut Hi Boy Dresser ChestBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA George Nelson for Herman Miller hi-boy dresser. An incredible chest of drawers with simply but stunning mid century styling. This piece features a full walnut wood body constructio...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Set of 6 George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Walnut ChairsBy Herman MillerLocated in Keego Harbor, MIElegant and sophisticated, this set of six George Nelson for Herman Miller chairs features two captain and four side chairs, all epitomizing classic Mid-Century Modern design. The wa...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Black Steel and Birch RKR Bikini RockerBy Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Keego Harbor, MIA Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller RKR Bikini rocking chair. One of my personal favorites, this rocking chair features an iconic wire shell chair design from Eames for Herman ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Munster, NRWGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s, United States. Very fine Modular §seater sofa by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. This sofa has a metal frame with square chro...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Vintage George Nelson Steel Frame Modular Sectional Sofa for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in Salt Lake City, UTVintage steel frame modular sectional by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Two separate sections each having two champagne colored velvet cushions and one white side table. Has origin...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Set of Sofas and Side TableBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Waalwijk, NLGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa model ‘5671’, side table, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78. This wonderful set is designed by the renowned American fur...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Early Production George Nelson / Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame SofaBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYEarly Production George Nelson / Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame Sofa,, Professionally reupholstered. Stunning gray wool fabric. Retains original steel frame , three segmented fol...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsMetal
- Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather SofaBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Munich, BavariaThis living room set model modular sofa was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This set was completely re -upholstered in high premium cognac Natural leather. It has a soft...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- George Nelson Modular Sofa Table System Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Berlin, BEModular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage grey upholstered Seats with buttoned backrests and a square Formica side-table t...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsSteel
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.