nelson miniature chest 9 drawer
Design George Nelson,
1952
Walnut, glass fiber reinforced plastic
"Japan had a profound effect on George Nelson. During his first trip to Tokyo in 1951 and several more that decade, Nelson became fascinated with all things Japanese. That influence is evident in the 1952 design of his miniature chests. Reminiscent of tansu, cabinets with many small drawers used for storing a variety of items, the Nelson miniature chests provide wonderful little places to keep things. An interesting addition to nearly any room-whether at home or the office-these chests embody what Nelson appreciated most in Japanese design: ""a sense of fitness in the relationship between hand, material, use, and shape."" -George Nelson
Each drawer is hand-fitted by cabinetmakers to ensure proper alignment so the wood-on-wood glides work smoothly. Each model has a drawer with dividers to organize and store small items. True to the original design, the chest body and drawers come in walnut, white ash or teak wood with laminate on the top surface and 4-star aluminum base. Drawers have metal knobs. Chest with pedestal has adjustable glides. Chest without pedestal has solid brass glides."
300 w | 330 d | 1060 h
George Nelson (1908–1986) was an American industrial designer, and one of the founders of American Modernism. While Director of Design for the Herman Miller furniture company, both Nelson, and his design studio, George Nelson Associates, Inc., designed much of the 20th century's most iconic modernist furniture. George Nelson attended Yale University, not originally intending become an architect. He happened upon the architecture school while ducking into the building to get out of the rain, and was impressed by an exhibition inside. He graduated with a degree in architecture in 1928. During his final year at Yale, Nelson was hired by the architecture firm Adams and Prentice as a drafter.
Herman Miller was a West Michigan businessman who helped his son-in-law, D.J. De Pree, buy the Michigan Star Furniture Company in 1923. De Pree had been working at the company, which opened in 1905, since he was hired in 1909 as a clerk. De Pree knew his father-in-law was a man of integrity, so he decided to rename the company after him. By the middle of the 20th century, the name Herman Miller had become synonymous with “modern” furniture. Working with legendary designers George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames, the company produced pieces that would become classics of industrial design.