I know it's hardly revolutionary to deem George Nelson one of the all-time design greats, but being kind of a clock freak myself makes Nelson a particular favorite of mine. Given all the awesome clocks he designed back in the day, along with his contributions in furniture, lamps, tables, etc. etc., it becomes obvious Nelson had a design career that would make just about anyone feel the need to genuflect.
Little did I know that Nelson got his degree in architecture and was a writer for many years before becoming the Director of Design at the Herman Miller Furniture Company. He then went on to set new standards for the involvement of design in all the activities of the company, and in doing so he pioneered the practice of corporate image management, graphic programs and signage.
In his forty-plus year career Nelson was one of the most articulate and eloquent voices on design and architecture in the U.S. during the 20th century and he helped legitimize and stimulate the field of industrial design by contributing to the creation of Industrial Design magazine in 1953.
A number of the nearly 300 classic wall clocks designed for Howard Miller Clock Company (including the Ball, Kite, Eye, Turbine, Spindle, Petal and Spike clocks, as well as a handful of desk clocks) are currently available from the Vitra online shop.
