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.
Rare Important Original 4 Seater Lady Sofa, Marco Zanuso, Arlfex, 1951
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is a unicorn and may be one of only a few every produced. Hang on, because this is special! The Marco Zanuso “Lady” Sofa, designed in the early 1950s for Arflex, is one of...
Brass, Steel
Rare Edward Wormley Model #5719, La Gondola Sofa, Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Culver City, CA
Some sofas sit in a room. This one floats in it. Released by Dunbar in 1957 as a limited edition piece, the La Gondola is arguably Edward Wormley's most iconic design ~ and coming f...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Grande Divano Curvo Boomerang Sofa, After Gio Ponti, C. 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Culver City, CA
This has to be one of the most beautiful sofas our gallery has ever had. This piece is early Italian1950's. Similar to pieces by Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi and Vladimir Kagan this large curved sofa features walnut legs and has been reupholstered in a fine, white, Belgian boucle. The boomerang-shaped sofa is a true masterpiece that embodies the essence of Italian design. Italian modern design is known for its clean lines, bold shapes, and exquisite attention to detail, making them timeless pieces of art that have stood the test of time. This particular sofa, is a stunning piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. The unique boomerang shape of the sofa is both stylish and practical, as it offers a comfortable seating experience while also being a visually striking addition to any room. The sofa is upholstered in a white Belgian boucle fabric, which adds to its luxurious appeal and complements its sleek design. This boomerang shaped sofa measures 90" long on the longer side, and 75" long on the shorter side. This gorgeous sofa could fit into a corner, but hiding those 9 splayed cone legs, and curved back lines wouldn't quite do this sofa justice. This vintage Italian piece is constructed with the highest level of quality. This sofa in particular has 8 way hand tied springs, the seating cushion has springs, the stuffing all horsehair and the upholstery was a worn mohair. We have remarkable photos documenting sofa before and during restoration. While Gio Ponti is regarded as one of the most significant Italian designers; his contemporaries, such as Achille Castiglioni, Vico Magistretti, and Ettore Sottsass, also contributed to the world of Italian design. Castiglioni, for instance, was known for his playful and functional designs, while Magistretti was renowned for his minimalist aesthetic. Sottsass, on the other hand, was a pioneer of the Memphis Group, which was known for its bold and colorful designs. We currently have this sofa in the gallery alongside a pair of Jean Royere chairs...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sculptural Wingback Sofa by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler of Denmark, 1950's
By H.W. Klein, Bramin Mobler
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is spectacular! Designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin Mobler in the late 1950's, this sculptural sofa is just as comfortable as it is beautiful. With long, clean lines and arched wingback sides, the body is reminiscent of an Arne Jacobsen egg chair. The back of the sofa showcases the solid teak frame that perfectly cradles the body of the sofa. The teak frame is further accentuated with its rich color and patina that really pops off the white lower-pile fine Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Teak
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Culver City, CA
A prized piece for any Danish modern enthusiast, this Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO64 3 seater sofa is absolutely stunning. Designed in the late 1940's this piece still has its original straps and hand tied springs (repaired and reinforced on the bottom by our restoration specialists). This sofa has been reupholstered in a luxurious creamy white Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Beech
Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen Swan Sofa Settee, 1960's in Real Canadian Sheepskin
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Culver City, CA
Take a seat, darling. No, seriously—this is the seat. Designed by the iconic Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, this Swan Sofa is the epitome of mid-century...
Aluminum
Malatesta & Mason Three-Seater Mid-Century Italian Sofa in Pierre Frey Velvet
By Malatesta and Mason
Located in New York, NY
An iconic expression of postwar Italian design, this rare three-seater sofa by Malatesta & Mason embodies the sculptural refinement and modern elegance that defined the 1960s. Combin...
Velvet, Oak
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
nice sofa from the steel frame series. an icon of modern design. shows signes of previous use, but has no defects and the white leather has nice patina.
Metal
George Nelson for Hermann Miller Modular 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Naples, IT
Modular 3-seater sofa designed by George Miller in 1956. The sofa incorporates a system of modules that allows you to choose the seating arrangement, the coffee table and chest of dr...
Leather, Wood
Milo Sofa, Earth/Chesterfield Velvet
By Marie Burgos Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Marie Burgos has expanded on the design concept for her acclaimed Milo lounge chair and created the newly introduced Milo sofa. She uses a molded w...
Fabric
Milo Sofa, Marmelade/Chesterfield Velvet
By Marie Burgos Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Marie Burgos has expanded on the design concept for her acclaimed Milo lounge chair and created the newly introduced Milo sofa. She uses a molded w...
Fabric
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
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.
Maggie and Anne Genovese, of Forsyth, teamed up with fashion designer Nikki Kule to reimagine some classic pieces.
