Early George Nelson Eog Executive Desk with Return for Herman Miller, 1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 67 in (170.18 cm)Depth: 67 in (170.18 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. This piece has been refinished, but sustained a small mar on the desktop when we were showing the piece at the Palm Springs Modernism show. Please see detailed photo.
- Seller Location:Culver City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1139233174862
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: Culver City, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Important Vladimir Kagan Rosewood Brass Dresser, Desk Unit, 1950sBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Culver City, CAIf you're a fan of Vladimir Kagan and are looking for a piece with a story, look no farther. This piece resided in the master bedroom of Vladimir Kagan and Erica Wilson's Park Avenue apartment. This is the Kagan Family Custom Dresser and Desk, Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc., USA, circa 1950. Designed by Vladimir Kagan for he and his wife's bedroom-- this set is truly stunning. Modular in nature, there is a dresser unit, that is flanked by a file cabinet, diagonally slatted drawers, and a drafting drawer for Kagan's pens. The unit has an attached drafting table with a drawer that features a multi-level adjusting lever where Vladimir Kagan himself used to sit and prepare his sketches. Below the drafting table, you can see the groove to pullout the drawer was completely hand tooled. This seat is comprised of hardwood, with rosewood veneer, brass legs and drawer pulls which have been polished back to their original glow, and a laminate top on the drafting table. This set can be seen as documented in: Martin Eidelberg, Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was, Abrams, p. 162 New York Social Diary, Vladimir Kagan, April 15, 2016 Vladimir Kagan (1927-2016) was a German-born American furniture designer known for his sleek, modernist designs that combined organic shapes with high-tech materials. Kagan began his career in the 1940s, working for his father's furniture business in Germany. He later immigrated to the United States and started his own design studio in New York City in 1949. Over the next several decades, Kagan created hundreds of iconic designs, including his signature "Sculptured Chair" and "Floating Sofa," which became icons of 1950s and 60s modernism. Kagan's designs were celebrated for their sculptural quality and unique use of materials, such as fiberglass, lucite, and stainless steel. He also pioneered the use of ergonomics in furniture design, creating pieces that were not only beautiful but also comfortable to use. Throughout his career, Kagan received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to design, including the American Society of Interior Designers' Designer of Distinction award in 1985 and induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009. Kagan's impact on the world of furniture design is incredibly significant. His work helped define the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, and his innovative use of materials and focus on ergonomics continue to influence designers today. His designs are highly sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums around the world. This set is currently in our gallery with a set of Vladimir Kagan unicorn...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsBrass
- Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953By George NelsonLocated in Culver City, CANestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic of mid-century modern design lay dormant for years, waiting for its moment to shine once again. This collector had a treasure trove of mid-century marvels, lovingly amassed by a collector with an eye for the extraordinary. Among the coveted pieces, we unearthed a true gem—a rare, early prototype frame for a George Nelson Chaise Lounge...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cabinet / Credenza in Mahogany and WalnutBy Dunbar Furniture, Edward WormleyLocated in Culver City, CAThis buffet is absolutely stunning! This ebonized mahogany and walnut sideboard / buffet designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features heavy brass accents and pulls in a gorgeous chinoiserie feel. A piece like this is so elegant and clean it can really seamlessly inject a modern, refined look into any environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a brass Mastercraft dining table, accented with brass Paul Evans cityscape dining chairs...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsMahogany, Walnut
- Hans Wegner for Ry Mobler Credenza Wall Unit, Teak, 1958By Hans J. WegnerLocated in Culver City, CAStep into the mid-century magic with this Hans Wegner-designed wall unit from Ry Mobler, a true vintage gem born on April 28, 1958 (it's birthday is stamped on the back of the piece)...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsTeak
- Monumental Sized Karl Springer Goatskin Credenza with COABy Karl SpringerLocated in Culver City, CAThis piece is absolutely stunning!! A monumentally large Karl Springer custom angular credenza in a creamy, ultra luxurious goatskin. The goat skin hides on the front have a wonderfully matched curvy seem that is just stunning. This dreamy credenza would be an impressive addition to any dining room, living-room console or entry piece and would effortlessly flex into even a more business or industrial environment. We currently have this piece in our gallery paired with a set of Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofas with a Paul Evans coffee table and a Gabriella Crespi console...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsGoatskin
- Rare Vladimir Kagan Credenza, Vladimir Kagan Designs, 1970sBy Vladimir KaganLocated in Culver City, CAThis credenza is a magnificent Vladimir Kagan collectors item. Featuring a maple veneered top and sides, with a lacquered body and chrome accent-- all sitting firmly atop of a pair of tall acrylic...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsChrome
- George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And CredenzaBy George NelsonLocated in Pasadena, TXA mid century modern desk and credenza designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller. The walnut credenza with multiple drawers and compartments for storage. The desk with wa...Category
Vintage 1960s American Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with ReturnBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return This desk measures: 65 wide x 84.5 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 inches All pieces of furnitur...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal
- Herman Miller Typewriter Desk Return by George NelsonBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Oklahoma City, OKIntroducing the iconic Herman Miller typewriter desk return, a testament to the visionary design of George Nelson. This exceptional piece seamlessly combin...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson Desk for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in San Mateo, CADouble pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsChrome
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair cleara...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Desk Model 5850By George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in New York, NYGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller swag leg desk. The frame of the desk is walnut. Has colorful storage compartments, a white laminated top an...Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsChrome
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.