George nelson designer biography samples

(George Nelson’s portrait by Josie Portillo)

George Nelson dominated the Mid-Century Modern design and architecture scene since its early years.

Although he is considered to be amongst the most influential designers of the twentieth Century, he never was a ‘traditional’ designer.

Despite this, Nelson and his office invented some of the most iconic furniture and home appliances of the Mid-Century Modern time like the Storagewall, the multimedia presentation, the open plan office system or the Bubble lamp, the Ball clock, the Marshmallow sofa and the Coconut Chair.

He was an eclectic -architect, urban designer, interior designer, graphic designer- more interested in writing about architecture and travel than in the construction business.

George Nelson’s Main Facts

Nelson was born in 1908 in an highly educated family.

When discussing his own origins, he used to say: “There was none around who said ‘Go out and get rich’, so I followed their instructions and never did