Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Maker),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Width: 34.5 in (87.63 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Buffalo, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1062425942222
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: Buffalo, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Elusive Modernist Action Office Desk or Table by George Nelson for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYRarely seen modernist action office desk or conference table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Purchased from prominent Buffalo NY architect. Beautiful figured walnut wood top mino...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Conference Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- 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
- GEORGE NELSON THIN EDGE CHEST / Cabinet for HERMAN MILLER. Classic ModernistBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYNice early George Nelson 'Thin Edge' chest of drawers with classic aluminum pulls and walnut or mahogany veneer. Divided drawers,,, Produced in the 1950s & 1960s by Herman Miller, ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsAluminum
- Stunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYStunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman Miller.. Ebonized wood frame and back with an amazing figured rosewood case,Four drawers , including two file ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood, Rosewood
- Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde / BlackBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYBeautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
MaterialsWood, Birch
- Unusual Modernist Childs Desk Attributed to Friso KramerBy Jean Prouvé, Friso KramerLocated in Buffalo, NYUnusual modernist Childs desk attributed to Friso Kramer, amazing design reminescent of French designs of Jean Prouve, retains original finish, patina.Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960sBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Berlin, DEGeorge Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Los Angeles, CAEarly George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large VersionBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Bern, CHDesign classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version. Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Dallas, TXGeorge Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsAluminum, Steel
- Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman MillerBy Robert Propst, Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Madrid, ESAction Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Table or DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Skokie, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk The Action Office desk or conference table was designed by American designer and architect George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. A substantial piece, It features a beautifully grained walnut top mounted on a streamlined, polished stainless steel base. The desk top edge is trimmed in black rubber. to protect it against bumps and bruises. Two small desk drawers slide out from beneath the table top. The drawers can be removed if desired. The desk top has been recently restored and is in excellent condition. Action Office was originally designed as a set of components that could be combined in multiple ways and changed as needed to evolve with the office over time. George Nelson was one of the founders of American Modernism. From 1946 until 1972, Nelson was director of design at Herman Miller. While there, Nelson introduced several important innovations in office furniture design, such as the Swagged Leg Group, which included the DAF and MAA chairs...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsStainless Steel
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.