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Nelson bench, long, black ash
Description
Vitra’s Nelson bench is a design classic from the 1940s developed by George Nelson, whose background in architecture is visible in the clean, functional design of the bench. The airy charm of the Nelson bench comes from slim, lacquered pieces of ash wood with blank spaces between them. The pieces are held together with strong finger joints and supported by two black, angular legs. Besides a seat, the Nelson bench can also be used as a side table.
- Width: 183.7 cm
- Depth: 46.9 cm
- Height: 35.3 cm
- Colour Black
- Seat material Black lacquered solid ash
- Base material Black lacquered ash
- Notes Not recommended for public spaces.
- Product ID: AK40550202
George Nelson (1908–1986) was a pioneering American architect and designer, regarded as one of the most influential figures of mid-century modernism. He studied architecture at Yale University and later in Rome, where he was introduced to European modernist thinking, which would profoundly shape his career.
In 1945, Nelson joined Herman Miller as Design Director, a role he held until 1972. Under his leadership, the company became a hub of American modern design, with Nelson bringing in talents such as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and Alexander Girard. This collaboration laid the foundation for many of the iconic pieces now part of Vitra's collection in Europe.
Beyond his role as a designer, Nelson was also a prolific writer, photographer and lecturer. His best-known works include the Nelson Bench (1946), the playful Marshmallow Sofa (1956) and the sculptural Ball Clock, Sunflower Clock and Eye Clock, designed between 1948 and 1960 as part of his iconic Wall Clocks collection.