Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953

Description

Nestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic … more Nestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic of mid-century modern design lay dormant for years, waiting for its moment to shine once again.

This collector had a treasure trove of mid-century marvels, lovingly amassed by a collector with an eye for the extraordinary. Among the coveted pieces, we unearthed a true gem—a rare, early prototype frame for a George Nelson Chaise Lounge, painted white and lightly oxidized from years of outdoor exposure.

But here's where the story takes a twist. This frame wasn't just any run-of-the-mill Nelson creation; oh no, it was a mysterious enigma, a glimpse into the master's mind before it was fully formed. I've been told that this iteration was never meant for the limelight, never intended for the pages of Herman Miller's catalog—it was a tantalizing taste of what was to come.

And so, with a nod to its storied past and a wink to its uncertain future, we embarked on a journey to breathe new life into this forgotten treasure. Chroming the solid steel frame proved a Herculean task—too weighty, too large and unwieldy for even the best craftsmen of Los Angeles.

But fear not, dear connoisseurs of design, for where there's a will, there's a way. We stripped the frame bare and bestowed upon it a sleek powder coating of midnight black, a modern twist on a timeless classic.

With the frame restored to its former glory, our artisans set to work, crafting a seat worthy of its illustrious heritage. Upholstered in sumptuous Argentine leather, every stitch a testament to luxury, we spared no expense in bringing this vision to life.

And what's a chaise without its crown? We crowned our creation with a headrest fit for royalty, the final flourish of opulence atop an already extravagant masterpiece.

But wait, there's more. The George Nelson 5490 Chaise Lounge isn't just rare—it's a unicorn among unicorns. A fleeting presence in the Herman Miller catalog, it vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, making this prototype a true collector's dream.

Now, dear patrons of the exquisite, let us not forget the luminaries who paved the way for such marvels of design. George Nelson, the visionary behind the chaise, a maestro of modernity whose influence echoes through the ages. And let us pay homage to Charles and Ray Eames, whose iconic designs continue to captivate and inspire, and to Alexander Girard, whose bold aesthetic remains etched in the annals of mid-century history.

We currently have this functional work of mid century modern greatness in our gallery alongside a Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa a Milo Baughman coffee table as well as a Paul Evans sculpted credenza, and not only does this chaise make a statement, it steals the show!

The last photograph shows the chaise in our booth at the Palm Springs Modernism Show 2024. We had a satin bow tied around it to signal "please do not sit."

Photos prior to restoration available upon request. less