George Nelson, artistic director of Herman Miller

George Nelson (1908-1986) is the American architect who turned Herman Miller into the first design publisher of the 20th century. A Yale architecture graduate, design journalist, he became in 1945 artistic director of the Michigan publisher, and recruited there Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Girard. He himself signed founding pieces: the Marshmallow Sofa (1956), the Ball Clock and Sunburst Clock (from 1948), the Coconut Chair (1955), the Bubble Lamp (1947). A body of work where American design meets humour and audacity.

The Ball Clock, Marshmallow Sofa, Coconut Chair and Bubble Lamp remain George Nelson's most iconic pieces. American vintage furniture edited by Herman Miller to find for those wanting a classic of American pop design.