George Nelson: Architect, Designer, Writer, Teacher.

Archival image of George Nelson, courtesy of Vitra Design Museum.

Archival image of George Nelson’s Thin Edge Cabinets (how fantastic!). Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum.

Mid-century modern lovers – rejoice! I am excited to let you know that Herman Miller are bringing the exhibition “George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher” to Australia. George Nelson (1908-1986) was one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century, and to this day his work continues to leave a lasting impact on the design community. A notable architect, prominent author, editor, lecturer, exhibition designer, and passionate photographer – this comprehensive retrospective of Nelson’s visionary work will open at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney on August 3rd.

The exhibition will be divided into five subject areas (1-Nelson and the House; 2-Corporate Design; 3-The Office; 4-Exhibition Design and 5-Designer of Influence), and will include furnishings from the Vitra Design Museum’s Nelson collection.

Nelson Thin Edge Buffet. Design George Nelson™, 1952.
Plywood, veneer, polished aluminum, metal.
Made by Herman Miller®.

Nelson Miniature Chest (6 Drawers). Design George Nelson™, 1952.
Solid wood, laminate top, metal base & pulls.
Made by Herman Miller®

Nelson Pedestal Stool. Design George Nelson™, 1954.
Aluminum, foam, upholstery.
Made by Herman Miller®

Coconut Chairs, Pedestal Tables & Pedestal Stools by George Nelson. Image courtesy of Herman Miller.

Initially trained as an architect with a degree from Yale, Nelson went on to become design director of Herman Miller in 1945. In this role, he helped shape Herman Miller in the ’40s and ’50s, working on every element of the business, including the iconic logo that is still used by the company today. He also played an essential role in bringing the company together, with designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and Isamu Noguchi. Early on, Nelson was convinced that design should be an integral part of Herman Miller’s philosophy, and by promoting this viewpoint, he also became a pioneer in the areas of business communication and corporate design.

During his time at Herman Miller, Nelson created many modern furniture classics, including the Platform Bench (1946), Coconut Chair (1956), Marshmallow Sofa (1956) and Action Office (1964).

Nelson Swag Leg Desk. Design George Nelson™, 1958.
Walnut, laminate top, plastic drawers, chromed steel tubing.
Made by Herman Miller®

George Nelson Platform Bench. Design George Nelson™, 1946.
Solid maple slats, ebonized legs.
Made by Herman Miller®

Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Design George Nelson™ & Irving Harper, 1956.
Metal frame, upholstery.
Made by Herman Miller®

Nelson Coconut Chair. Design George Nelson, 1955.
Molded plastic shell, chromed steel base, leather upholstery.
Made by Herman Miller®.

As an author Nelson was prolific, writing many essays on design. He was one of the most prominent to reflect on the working conditions, duties and objectives of his profession, at a time when the field was in its infancy. In his bestselling book ‘Tomorrow’s House’ (1944, co-authored with Henry Wright), he articulated the groundbreaking concept of the ‘storagewall’. The walls of a house, Nelson explained, could be used to store things by transforming them into floor-to-ceiling, two-sided cabinets – a revolutionary idea at the time.

Archival image of George Nelson’s Coconut Chairs. Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum.

Archival image of George Nelson the photographer. Courtesy of Vitra Design Museum.

An exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum, Germany, and generously sponsored by Herman Miller – ‘George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher’ will open at the Powerhouse Museum as part of the Sydney Design 2013 festival.

3 August 2013 — 10 January 2014
Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW.
Admission Free with general admission.