Early Mid Century Modern George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller Maple Slats Black Painted Legs

Details

Description

Iconic Early Mid Century Modern George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller composed of a natural maple slatted bench and … Read more Iconic Early Mid Century Modern George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller composed of a natural maple slatted bench and black painted maple legs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, it has been left in the original as found condition with a finish including nicks, dings, and wear as you would expect with a vintage piece including the black painted legs. We chose to leave the finish as is, however, we could paint if you want to request that upon purchase. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Designed 1947. Circa, 1940s – 1950s.

Well, what have we here? Oh… Only an absolute ICON of midcentury modernism!!!! WOW!!! Folks, this is the famed vintage George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller composed of a handsome natural maple slatted bench, seat, or tabletop and beautifully distressed black painted structural U shaped maple legs. We chose to leave the finish in the original condition we obtained it as we LOVE the vintage patina but we would be happy to put a fresh coat of black paint on the legs if you would like. Just let us know upon purchase. While this bench/table is still in production through Herman Miller, THIS ONE is identified vintage 1940’s-1950’s per the attached authentic label. This bench design was originally intended as a platform base for Nelson’s “Basic Cabinet Series” which was one of the first group of designs Nelson designed for Herman Miller. It was intended to fulfil multiple functions and it does just that!! Its functionality will serve as a spectacular seat in your entryway, at the end of your bed as a beautiful bench, or as an attractive coffee or cocktail table in your living or family room. Versatility, impeccable style, and iconic notoriety… what more could you ask for?

George Nelson, designer, architect and author, was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1908. He studied at Yale earning a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in 1928 and 1931 respectively. He also studied at the Catholic University in Washington DC where he won the Rome Prize which may have been the turning point in his life. While there he met and interviewed 12 leading architects of the time including Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Gio Ponti, and Walter Gropius. These interviews were published in the magazine Pencil Points. Then as associate editor of Architecture Forum and Fortune magazine’s Nelson’s writing drew the attention of D. J. DePree, president of Herman Miller, resulting in Nelson creating his first design for Herman Miller in 1945 and subsequently becoming their Design Director in 1947. While at Herman Miller Nelson was involved in the design of hundreds of furniture pieces and recruited iconic design talents including Isamu Noguchi and Charles and Ray Eames. George Nelson also launched a studio in New York to design furniture, architecture, graphics, and exhibitions for clients the likes of General Electric, Olivetti, Abbott, and more. The studio went by various names, but it always included incredible designers such as George Tscherny, Gordon Chadwick, Ettore Sottsass, Michael Graves, and Arthur Drexler, to name a few. Many landmark designs came from this man and his studio. George Nelson passed away in New York in 1986 at the age of 77.

Herman Miller started life as Star furniture Co. in Zeeland, Michigan in 1905 a producer of high-quality furniture. Becoming Michigan Star Furniture Co in 1919, and then in 1923, when long time employee Dirk Jan De Pree and his father-in-law purchased 51% of the company stock, it was renamed Herman Miller Furniture Company. And remained so until the 1960s when it became Herman Miller, Inc. Until the 1930s they produced only traditional wood furniture, but the Great Depression caused a need for change, and they hired modernist Gilbert Rohde who took the company in a new successful direction. Upon Rohde’s death in 1944 he was replaced by none other than the renowned George Nelson. Working with the likes of not only Charles and Ray Eames but Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Girard, and Robert Propst, to name just a few, Nelson led Herman Miller to became one of the finest names in furniture and design.

This Early Mid-Century Modern, EXEMPLARY George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller is EXACTLY what the designer ordered!! So… call it a table or call it a bench but whatever you do…. Be sure you call it YOURS!!!!

Bench/Table Size
- Height: 14 Inches
- Width: 48.25 Inches
- Depth: 18.5 Inches
- Weight: 23.4 Pounds

Boxed Size:
- Length: 54 Inches
- Width: 24 Inches
- Height: 20 Inches
- Weight: 35 Pounds See less