Herman Miller has announced the first in a series of product reintroductions from its collection of modular storage solutions designed by renowned designer George Nelson, who was Herman Miller's Director of Design from 1945-1972. A select group of items will previewed at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York this weekend.
Shortly before Nelson arrived at Herman Miller, he designed the Platform Bench for his office in New York City. Its intent was to provide a place for his materials and short-term guest seating; however, in 1946, it also became a base for the Basic Cabinet Series.Available from the company until 1958, the Basic Cabinet Series was designed to be a modular system of simple case goods intended for the home or office. Today, the series includes four chest-cabinet combinations available in two handsome veneer options, including walnut and rift-cut oak. The items can be used with the Platform Bench or standalone separately, in pairs or in groups of any number to fit multiple room applications.
Throughout his tenure with Herman Miller, Nelson maintained his independent design practice and deftly carried on the company's course of producing contemporary furniture made from minimal materials appropriate to the emerging modern lifestyle.
"Nelson and his associate Ernest Farmer created a modular storage solution that could adapt to a variety of configurations and locations, including living, dining, sleeping, or working areas," says Gregg Vander Kooi, product manager, Herman Miller. "They believed that properly designed modern furniture should be able to function anywhere. These designs are just as relevant today as they were more than 60 years ago. They serve equally well in multiple settings efficiently, comfortably and attractively."
The Basic Cabinet Series and the metal leg option for the Platform Bench will be available beginning in fall 2010 from Herman Miller's authorized retailers, which can be located by searching www.hermanmiller.com/stores. An expanded offer from Nelson's Herman Miller collection also will be introduced in fall 2010 and spring 2011.
