DESIGN /
INTERIOR
January 15, 2015
BUILDING | Special Sale of Rare Original Pieces by George Nelson
BUILDING
A Gathering of Rare Vintage Pieces, Scarce Even in America, Alongside Current Used Items
“GEORGE NELSON IN THE BUILDING” Event Held
From March 3rd (Saturday) to April 8th (Sunday), a sales event featuring original pieces from George Nelson, a pioneer of American modern design, will be held at the custom furniture shop 'BUILDING' in Shirokanedai.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Open Fridays and weekends during the event. Related books will also be available.
“GEORGE NELSON IN THE BUILDING” offers a rare opportunity to see, touch, and purchase George Nelson's designs, from scarce vintage items to reasonably priced current used pieces.
George Nelson is an indispensable figure in American modern design, famously known as a key player in the Mid-Century movement. His innovative modular systems, such as the "Executive Office Group" and "CSS," created during his tenure as design director at Herman Miller, have significantly influenced the furniture design at the custom furniture shop 'BUILDING,' where this event is being held.
While many of George Nelson's works, including the "Executive Office Group" and "CSS," are still in production and sold by companies like Herman Miller and Vitra, the "GEORGE NELSON IN THE BUILDING" event features original pieces from the era, meticulously restored by 'BUILDING' for sale as heirlooms.
“MAA”
The "MAA" Swag Leg Group chair, designed by George Nelson and released by Herman Miller in 1958. It debuted as a groundbreaking chair with a revolutionary structure: the FRP seat and backrest were connected by steel and rubber components resembling human joints, allowing the backrest to move flexibly with body weight.
However, due to its innovative construction, production ceased after just one year. Consequently, very few units exist today, making it one of Nelson's rarest items.
Price: ¥420,000 (W705×D660×H783×SH400mm)
“EOG Credenza”
This is the "Credenza" from George Nelson's Executive Office Group, commonly known as "EOG," designed for Herman Miller. It features an oak body with black sliding doors.
While the EOG series includes various custom and standard variations, this particular piece is a standard size listed in the original catalog. Measuring 1880mm wide, it offers a substantial presence and ample storage capacity.
Price: ¥399,000 (W1880×D470×H644mm)
“Platform Bench”
The "Platform Bench" is one of George Nelson's most renowned works. First released in 1946, it is also famous as Nelson's first product for Herman Miller.
Production ceased in 1967 but was revived by the company in 1994, and it continues to be produced today. This is an original piece from the 1950s.
Price: ¥168,000 (W1220×D470×H358mm)
“Bubble Lamp”
This pendant is from the "Bubble Lamp Series," designed by George Nelson in 1947, and is an original piece from the Howard Miller Company.
The shade was formed by spraying a special plastic material, originally developed for military use, onto a wire frame, allowing for various designs. This is a ball-type shade, close to a perfect sphere, with a rare brass wall-hang arm.
Price: ¥99,750 (W480×D480×H420mm)
BUILDING
5-13-26 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1F
Business Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only)
Please call to confirm if you plan to visit Monday through Thursday.
Tel. 03-6450-3920
http://www.building-td.com