Flock of Butterflies Clock

George Nelson clocks were originally manufactured by the Howard Miller Clock Company. When originally manufactured, his clocks were simply given design numbers. The Flock of Butterflies clock was originally known as “2226.”
Material(s): Sheet aluminum, varnished
Dimensions: 24″ Diameter
Retail Price: $895

Polygon Clock

Polygon clock features radiating, faceted walnut arms capped with geometric forms. I especially like the look of this clock!
Material(s): Solid walnut
Dimensions: 17″ Diameter
Retail Price: $540

Wheel Clock

Wheel clock features radiating, dowel spokes in walnut with aluminum end caps.
Material(s): Solid walnut, varnished aluminum
Dimensions: 17″ Diameter
Retail Price: $460

George Nelson Block Clock by Vitra

The very first clock created by George Nelson (with collaboration of other designers, aka “George Nelson Associates”) was “Clock 4755” (Ball Clock) for Howard Miller Clock Company in 1947. Howard Miller Clock Company was established in 1926 by Howard C. Miller in Zeeland, Michigan. The company focused on manufacturing chiming wall and mantel clocks in the early years. During the 1940s and 1950s, the company ventured into more aesthetic designs to incorporate postwar modernism trend. The company then reverted to more traditional designs like grandfather clocks in the 1960s and eventually became known as the largest grandfather clock manufacturer in the world.

Howard Miller George Nelson Clock Ad

George Nelson Associates designed approximately 150 clocks for Howard Miller. They were simply identified by model numbers such as “Clock 4755” (Ball Clock), “Clock 2238” (Eye Clock), “Clock 2202” (Sunburst Clock) and so forth. There were different color options available for most designs. All clocks were powered by electricity. George Nelson Associates design clocks are no longer in production by Howard Miller, except one: “625-333 Ball Clock,” adaptation of a classic Ball Clock. The 625-333 Ball Clock is slightly bigger (14” diameter) than the original Ball Clock (13” diameter). The 625-33 Ball Clock only comes in one color, brushed nickel center and 12 black satin balls on nickel finished rods.

625-333 Ball Clock

Many of the designs of George Nelson clocks (licensed reproductions) are currently available through Vitra. Headquartered in Switzerland, Vitra manufactures furniture and home accessories designed by iconic mid century modern designers such as Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson. If you are looking for a vintage George Nelson clock, check online auction such as eBay or online market place/classifieds such as Lushpad or Craigslist. If you are lucky, you may find one at an estate sale, a yard sale, etc. George Nelson Vitra Clocks are widely available at many retailers. There are many knock-offs out there as well, so be aware!

What was Good Design?

MoMA played an important role in promoting a “Good Design” concept that emerged in the 1930s and continued its development into mid century era. The “Good Design” concept represents the objects that are simple, functional, truth to materials, yet appealing to your eyes. MoMA promoted such concept through a series of five “What is Good Design?” exhibition between 1950-1955, as well as various competitions such as “Printed Textiles for the Home” (1946), “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture” (1948) and “New Lamps” (1950). 

Examples of Good Design Furniture

The exhibit includes iconic mid century modern furniture pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and Hans Wegner; lighting by George Nelson, textiles by Alexander Girard; dinnerware by Russell Wright; and numerous other familiar objects including kitchen tools, small appliances, a fishing rod, and even an ax! The exhibition is currently running through November 30, 2009. It is well worth a visit along with other great exhibitions.

At Herman Miller, Girard successfully introduced a new concept in textile design with his vibrant color palette and playful patterns inspired by traditional folk art he cherished. In early 1950s, fabrics were merely functional, but they tended to be dull and plain. His textile designs complemented the furniture designs of his fellow mid century modern designers, Charles Eames and George Nelson. Girard’s work at Herman Miller continued until 1975, designing hundreds of fabrics as a result. He also developed a seating collection for the company between 1967 and 1968. Originals from this collection are rare and highly desirable among many collectors today.

Apart from Herman Miller, Girard designed three restaurants in 1960’s: the La Fonda del Sol restaurant, in New York City; the L’Etoile Restaurant, also in New York City; and the Compound Restaurant, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He also contributed in a design project of Braniff Airlines in mid 1960’s, totally redesigning everything from the condiment packets to the planes themselves. During 1960’s, Girard and his wife Susan moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico where he founded the Girard Foundation to manage more than 100,000 pieces of his folk art collection. This enormous collection was donated to the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe in 1978 and recognized as the world’s largest folk art collection today.

After retiring from the design industry, many of Girard’s designs fell into disuse. Partnering with the Estate of Alexander Girard, a company called máXimo reintroduced Girard’s designs in 2000. Products available today include fabrics, cushions, wooden dolls, toys and carpet tiles. Girard’s unique, colorful and charming designs remain fresh and vibrant and are still cherished by many people today.

Nelson Ball Clock - photo by m.bibelot

Unlike many other mid century modern designers, George Nelson (1904 – 1986) started out his career as a writer. After studying architecture at Yale University, Nelson spent a few years in Europe to learn about modern European architecture. He interviewed many leading European architects and brought his knowledge home to write about his experience. Nelson successfully introduced the concept of modern European architecture into the American design community. He also introduced many innovative design ideas in his articles while he was an editor at “Architectural Forum.”

By 1940, Nelson’s innovative design ideas began to draw attention from the design community. One of those ideas, the first modular storage system called “Storagewall” caught the attention of D.J. DePree, President of Herman Miller, Inc. In 1945, Nelson accepted a position of director of design at Herman Miller and held this position until 1972. While at Herman Miller, Inc., Nelson was involved in furniture design and communication for the company, such as marketing and signage. He also recruited other designers like Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. Nelson also created his own products such as the first L-shaped desk, the Marshmallow sofa, the platform bench, the Coconut chair, a series of wall and desk clocks, and a series of bubble lamps.