George Nelson Lighting

What is The George Nelson Story?

George Nelson is a name recognized by historians and designers in the lighting and furniture industry alike. Born in 1908, George Nelson had an ordinary childhood and education before he attended Yale University. The only reason Nelson took an interest in Yale’s architecture program was due to him accidentally ducking into that building to avoid a rainstorm. There, he saw an exhibit of students’ works and became inspired. He graduated from the college in 1928, continued his education to receive another degree in Fine Arts, and continued to study design and architecture in his own time.

After a decade of writing for architectural magazines and interviewing other key figures in the modernism architectural movement, he began promoting his own innovative design ideas. In 1945, he joined the Herman Miller furniture company and worked his way up the company to be the Director of Design for 35 years. During this time, he opened his own design studio in New York City to bring together top designers of the time and create his own furniture and light fixtures.

As a partner to other designers and a designer in his own right, George Nelson went on to accomplish great things in his life: he is the designer behind the iconic marshmallow sofa, coconut chair, ball clock, and the famous bubble lamp. Even now, his designs and innovation continue to have an impact on the greater design world.

Who is George Nelson?

George Nelson is an innovator, designer, journalist, and entrepreneur famous for his contributions to mid century modern style. Although his work began in studying and writing about architecture, Nelson eventually began to design furniture and lighting fixtures for residential spaces. Though he passed away in 1986, he remains one of the most famous designers from the mid century era and is often called the father of mid century style.

What are the Favorite Types of Lighting by George Nelson?

Some favorites from George Nelson Lighting include mid century modern lighting fixtures like pendant lights, wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, and tripod lamps. These lighting types tend to feature white polymer shades atop a durable steel frame, and true to mid-century style, they are prominently modeled after shapes. Since his most popular light is the bubble lamp, many of his lights take inspiration from that style to convey a mid century modern aesthetic.

What Are Popular George Nelson Collections?

George Nelson’s most popular lighting collections include Saucer, Cigar, Pear, Ball, Pear, and Bell. Within these collections, there are various types of lights along with varying customization opportunities with metallic finishes and sizes. Since his collections are consistent with conveying his signature mid century modern style, you may blend different collections to create your personal style or work exclusively with one collection.

What is George Nelson Known For?

Because of his professional connections and personal innovation, George Nelson is called the father of mid century style. In many ways, it was his innovative mind and ability to draw in the most prominent designers of the time that enabled mid century style to be as defined and stunning as it is. Aside from this highly respectable role, he also had other innovative creations like the office cubicles we see today.

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