Mid-century lighting designed by George Nelson, United States

George Nelson (1908-1986) was an American industrial designer, architect, and writer. He was one of the most influential figures in mid-century modern design, creating some of the most iconic furniture pieces of the era.

Nelson was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in a prominent family. He attended Yale University, where he studied architecture and art history. After graduating, he worked briefly as a reporter before landing a job at the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill in New York City.

In the 1940s, Nelson became design director at Herman Miller, a furniture manufacturer. There, he created some of his most famous designs, including the Coconut Chair, the Marshmallow Sofa, and the Bubble Lamp. He also collaborated with other designers, such as Charles and Ray Eames, and helped bring their designs to market.

Nelson was known for his innovative use of materials and his ability to more... combine form and function in his designs. He believed that good design should be accessible to everyone and sought to create furniture that was both beautiful and practical. He was also a proponent of the modernist movement, which sought to break with traditional design and embrace new forms and materials.

In addition to his work as a designer, Nelson was a prolific writer and editor. He served as the editor-in-chief of the design magazine "Industrial Design" and wrote several books on design, including "How to See: A Guide to Reading Our Man-made Environment" and "Problems of Design."

Nelson's designs are still produced by Herman Miller and are highly sought after by collectors. He is remembered not only for his groundbreaking work in furniture design but also for his contributions to design theory and education. less...