THE LONDON BULLETIN: GEORGE NELSON His pieces and influence

Nan Mabon

The American owner of Antiques Resource, the enormously successful antique furniture and accessories sourcing and buying service in London for the past 17 years, is a weekly contributor to my blog; she has the most exquisite taste, she knows the London market thoroughly and will certainly dazzle us with her choices and reports from one of the most lively, most trendy cities in Europe.

* editor's note: all text in light gray is text added by me in order to add a little historical context to Nan's great presentation.

George Nelson

Son influence

George Nelson was, together with Charles and Ray Eames, one of the founding fathers of American Modernism. George Nelson was born in Harford Connecticut in 1908. he passed away in New York City in 1986.

George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom

*Playboy Magazine, July 1961

"The post war era saw increased demand for affordable "Contemporary" objects for the home in Europe, Britain and America.  One of the most influential designers in America at that time,George Nelson who was co-managing editor of Architectural Review, then went on to work as director of  design at HERMAN MILLER.  

In the early 50's he designed the iconic "Ball and Spoke" clock.
On a recent tour of some of London's antique shops I took photos of  various objects from the 50's that to me show the influence of Nelson in the use of metal and primary colors for everyday utilitarian objects for the home. There is a revival of interest in these 50's designs and the new version at Heals looks almost exactly like Mr. Nelson' original clock'.

French 50's coat rack

Combination coat rack and umbrella stand, French 1950's

He greatly influenced designers in France in the 50's. Primary colors were everywhere and  simple almost childish shapes sprang in many furniture lines of that time. 

 French metal book shelves 1950's

 French metal bookshelves 1950's

Vitra Ball Clock By George Nelson. Designed in 1948 during a huge U.S. economic boom, Nelson's vision was to bring modern lasting design into common aspects of the home. This re-edition clock is manufactured and distributed by Vitra Design Museum, Germany, using original models and documents from the George Nelson archive.

 Ball and Spoke Clock, new (authorized) copy (reedition by Vitra) of 50's design at Heals London

New copy of 50's magazine rack at Heals in London

Vitra Hang It All Coat Rack by Charles & Ray Eames, 1953 - designed to hold bags, coats, caps. With colourful hooks and a playful design, Hang It All is a piece of art in its own right. Wall-mountable (fixing included).

Peg Rail, new copy (Vitra reedition) at Heals London

French bar stools in metal and leather from the 50's

 1950's Italian coffee table

He influenced design in the 70's

1970's Italian coat rack

and in  the 80's

1980's Ettore Sottsass Carlton bookcase by Memphis Italy

George Nelson still influences design today

images Antiques resource except the 2 first photos and the last 5.

Merci Nan. 

au revoir.