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.
George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Spray Plastic, USA, 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early spray plastic and steel pendant light, model "Saucer Bubble" designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with...
Steel
George Nelson Ball Bubble Pendant Lamp by Modernica, USA
By George Nelson
Located in San Carlos, CA
A canonical example of American mid-century modern lighting, this medium Ball Bubble Pendant was produced by Modernica of Los Angeles using the original Howard Miller tooling and spe...
Aluminum
George Nelson, Cigar Wall Sconce, Plastic, Walnut, Nickel, Herman Miller, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
An early-production Cigar Bubble wall sconce in plastic polymer, walnut and brushed nickel; designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1952. Overall Dimensions (I...
Nickel
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
By George Nelson
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
Plastic
Nimbus / Beehive Pendant Lamp by George Nelson and Associates Midcentury
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very rare chandelier model NS808 / 'Nimbus' (also known as 'Beehive') by renowned George Nelson and Associates studio made for Nessen Lighting, designed in 1969 by Farid Iskander.
Aluminum
George Nelson, Pear Bubble Pendant, Steel, Spray Plastic, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early spray plastic and steel pendant light, model "Pear Bubble" designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with a...
Steel
Midcentury Pendant /Czechoslovakia, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of glass, chrome 2x E27 or E26 socket With aged patina Re-polished Original condition.
Chrome
$4,872
H 9.06 in Dm 17.72 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Large, rare and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light. Designed & manufactured probably by Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1960s. Executed in sprayed...
Metal
1950s Large 26 Arms Brass Sputnik, USA
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Genuine 1950s Sputnik with a bold personality and a lot of presence. 26 arms of different lenght create this chandelier burst in all direction. Solid, well made structure and...
Brass
Cocoon Ball Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Tobia Scarpa, Flos
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ball Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 110V for all coun...
Resin
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 23 in W 20 in D 20 in
1950s Gerald Thurston 3 Heads Uplighter Pendant for Lightolier , USA
By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
1950s Gerald Thurston Brass plated uplighter with 3 pierced shade for Lightolier . Top concave relector have a nice patina on it . Contain 3 E26 sockets rated at 60 watt each .
Metal, Brass
$4,417
H 9.06 in Dm 21.66 in
Cocoon resin. Large Brutalist pendant light by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1970s
By Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, Goldkant Leuchten, George Nelson
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. Large Space Age and Brutalist style pendant lamp by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1970s. Composed of a large metal frame in the shap...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Pair Silver Nickel Alabaster Sunburst Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair nickel silver metal wall sconces with alabaster globe shades and sunburst motif backplates. Newly wired for US installation. Each uses single candelabra size bulb. Diameter of a...
Alabaster, Brass
Scandinavian Midcentury Pendant Lamp by E. S. Horn, 1950s
By E. S. Horn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small Stilnovo inspired Danish Pendant Light from E. S. Horn. Its made from black powder coated aluminium, translucent acrylic, perforated steel an...
Aluminum, Brass
$2,900
H 15.75 in Dm 11.82 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Cocoon Pendant Lamp or Hanging Light by Goldkant 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern cocoon pendant lamp or hanging light in shape of an Amphore. Designed & manufactured probably by Goldkant Leuchten, Germany, 1...
Metal
Dutch 1950s Hanging Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful "Mid-Century" 1950s Dutch chandelier composed of a teak stretcher, rayon cords, milk glass shades, and teak caps. Rewired. The height can be adjusted if needed.
Teak, Glass
Mid-Century Modern Saucer Cocoon Pendant Lamp, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A cocoon hanging lamp made In the 1960s. The material of the lamp is resin. Dimensions:: height: 22 cm - 40 cm The light requires one E27 li...
Resin
$1,950
H 46 in W 24 in D 9.25 in
Rare Industrial OMI "Eyeshade" Floor Lamp, George Nelson, Koch & Lowy, USA, 1960
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, early "Eyeshade" adjustable floor lamp designed by the influential George Nelson for Koch & Lowy. Designed by and for architects this lamp is as versatile as it i...
Steel
George Nelson "Bubble Lamp", USA circa 1952
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
USA, 1952 George Nelson & Associates for Howard Miller Clock Company. Sprayed fiberglass over metal frame with steel braces. 26”dia x 11”h Ref. L5278 $ 3,200
Steel
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A Cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The pendant lamp features a design similar to Achille Castiglioni's lamps. The lampshade is made of ...
Resin
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Cathedral City, CA
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s This is an iconic bubble lamp designed by George Nelson, originally for the Howard Miller Clock Company. As you can see in the images this has the original sticker still attached to the metal frame. These were in original production from the 50s through the very early 70s before production was discontinued. Newer ones have been produced by various companies including Modernica, Gossamer and now the officially licensed lamps are produced by Herman Miller. These produce the most beautiful yellow glow when lit. Vintage ones throw a nicer light since the material has mellowed where newer ones will throw a white light. Bubble lamp pendant...
Steel
Scarce early/ original George Nelson Hanging "Cigar Bubble Lamp -
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Original ,Vintage,, NOT NEW REPRODUCTION! .Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Bubble light will add a touch of softness and luminosity to any interior! Delightful cigar shape hanging p...
Metal
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The lampshade is made of original resin. It is in good vintage condition. The shade has no holes o...
Resin
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A Cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The pendant lamp features a design similar to Achille Castiglioni's lamps. The lampshade is made of ...
Resin
George Nelson, Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A steel and plastic resin "Bubble" pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, USA, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16 ” H x 18.5” Diameter Dimen...
Steel
1950's Original Early Nelson Pear Bubble Pendant Lamp by Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful rare shape early production Pear shape , George Nelson Bubble Hanging Lamp circa 1950's nice patina original condition no tears original label needs to be hardwired , we ...
Metal
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp
By George Nelson, Nessen Lighting
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp: Designed by Lucia DeRespinis (1960) for George Nelson's office for Nessen Studio, Textured enameled me...
Metal
Original Large George Nelson Bubble Lamps for Howard Miller (B)
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Metal, Wire
Large Original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for Howard Miller Clock Company (A)
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Metal, Wire
George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early "Saucer Bubble" Pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1952. Small tear to plastic cover. Dimensions o...
Steel