Nelson, Catenary Chair

George Nelson Catenary chair. Produced by Herman Miller 1963-1968

Inspired by the architectural work of his friend Buckminster Fuller, George Nelson created a chair and coffee table that ignored traditional leg structures. The Catenary seat appears slung and weightless within a structure of steel rods. The seat pads are upholstered in (original) black vinyl and backed with pressed steel panels. This structure is suspended within the cross-braced supporting base construction.

The Catenary is a complex design that indicates an originality and elegance common to Nelson’s designs. Being highly priced at the time of production, the Catenary was only made in small quantities and discontinued five years later.

George Nelson was a visionary designer and writer. He acted as creative director at Herman Miller and oversaw the keys works by Charles and Ray Eames, Noguchi and Alexander Girard. His own creations reflected his independent spirit, and forged new typographies. Icons such at the Coconut chair and Ball clock still being produced.

Dimensions
75w x 70d x 42/70cmh