Set of Four George Nelson ''Pretzel'' Armchair Made by ICF, Italy, 1984-1986
About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer),ICF De Padova (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 22.84 in (58 cm)Depth: 19.3 in (49 cm)Seat Height: 19.1 in (48.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1985
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chiavari, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6764233442352
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Chiavari, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Enrico Delmonte set of four "Gobbetta" chairs, Chiavari, Italy, 1960sBy ChiavariLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA rare set of four "Gobbetta" chairs, expertly crafted in the early 1940s by the esteemed cabinetmaker Enrico Delmonte. Fashioned from high-quality ebonised beech wood, these chairs...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStraw, Beech
- Guido Chiappe set of 8 dining chairs made of beech and rope, Chiavari, 1950sBy ChiavariLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA rare set of eight dining chairs was produced in Chiavari during the 1950s by the renowned cabinetmaker Guido Chiappe. These "Chiavarine" chairs are exceptional finds, as they were ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsRope, Beech
- Ross Littell Stainless Steel ''Luar'' Coffee Table for Icf De Padova, Italy 1974By Ross Littell, ICF De PadovaLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA minimalistic square Luar coffee table designed by Ross Littel for ICF-De Padova (Italy). This side table is made of steel, wood and aluminium and stands out for its essential style...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsAluminum, Steel
- Pair of Cane and Beech ''Spade'' High Back Chairs Made in Chiavari, Italy 1960sBy ChiavariLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA beatiful pair of "Chiavarine" high back chairs, expertly crafted in the 1960s in Chiavari - a town renowned for its chair production since the early 19th century. Made with beech w...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Beech
- Enrico Delmonte set of 12 ash and straw Gobbetta chairs, Chiavari, Italy, 1950sBy ChiavariLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaA set of twelve "Gobbetta" model chairs, made of black-stained beechwood with woven straw seats, crafted by Chiavari artisans, and produced by Enrico Delmonte in the 1950s. The Chia...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStraw
- Gio Ponti set of twelve Leggera chairs with rope seat, Cassina, Italy, 1951By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio PontiLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaSet of 12 ash wood chairs with hand-knotted rope seats, designed by Gio Ponti as model 646 Leggera in 1951 and manufactured by Figli di Amedeo Cassina during the late 1950s. Concept...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Ash
- 1950s Dining Chairs by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy George NelsonLocated in Sagaponack, NYAn early dining chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller, having tubular zinc-plated frames with floating upholstered seats and backs.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Side Arm Chair Made by Plycraft 1960'sBy Plycraft, Norman ChernerLocated in Wayne, NJNorman Cherner pretzel dining chair, made by Plycraft in the 1960's. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zipcode, as we may...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Set of Four George III Chippendale Period Mahogany Side ChairsLocated in London, GBWith upholstered drop in seat. Offered also as two pairs.Category
Antique Mid-18th Century British Chippendale Side Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Set of Four Diner Chairs by FristhoBy FristhoLocated in Voorburg, NLVery beautiful set of four Fristho chairs, all in original condition and brought in from the first owner. The chairs have a rosewood and stainless steel metal base with the original ...Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- 1955, Arne Jacobsen, Set of Four Turquoise Upholstered 3207 Butterfly ArmchairsBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NLThis item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of Four George III Dining Chairs, England, Circa 1765-1800Located in New York, NYSet of four George III dining chairs, likely 1775-1800.Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
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.