Coconut Armchair By George Nelson In Black Leather, Herman Miller

Coconut Chair by George Nelson, first edition by Herman Miller circa 1960. Unlike later Vitra editions, the shell is made of metal (not fiberglass) and does not yet have ventilation holes for pressure relief. Upholstered in black leather. W 97 cm x D 84 cm x H 78 cm. Seat height 35 cm. Normal wear and tear on the leather and shell (see photos). The Coconut Chair is an iconic design by George Mulhauser for George Nelson and Associates/Herman Miller. We chose not to paint the metal shell to preserve its original patina. The Coconut Chair by George Nelson: Designed in 1955 by George Nelson (1908-1986), the Coconut Chair is conceived as a quarter of a coconut cut into eight pieces. A bold concept for its time: Streamline designers drew inspiration more from naval and aeronautical aesthetics—hence the name "Ocean Liner style" given to this movement—than from organic forms found in nature. This approach, however, marks the beginnings of future Pop design, which would readily embrace natural and playful elements. One can see a kinship with the Tongue chair or Pierre Paulin's Orange Slice Chair. Nelson even mentioned that the idea for this chair came to him while observing the surrealist and abstract works of Joan Miró and Alexander Calder. Despite its geometric fidelity to the fruit, the designer allows himself a subtle play on conventions: here, the colors of the coconut are reversed. The upholstered seat appears in dark leather, while the outer shell remains white, evoking the flesh of the fruit. This deliberate reversal offers a touch of refined humor, while revealing the attention paid to the smallest detail. Thanks to its chromed tubular steel base, the Coconut armchair boasts a high seat that ensures both comfort and firmness. It invites you to curl up in it with ease, in a living room, bedroom, or even the office. See this Coconut armchair by George Nelson in black leather, Herman Miller, in full screen on Vintage Addict