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Modern Icons: George Nelson Clocks
Nelson's Clocks Delight, Add Mad Mid-Century Style — and Tell Time, Too
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
The amazing mid-century modern designer George Nelson designed many of the most iconic pieces from the era, from sofas to pendant lights, benches to clocks. Today we'll take a look at just a few of his wonderful clocks and how relevant they are in today's designs. Playful, museum-worthy and functional, they have mad style and personality, and they always add a big dash of fun to any design.
| The pairing of this Nelson Clock and the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair is a match made in mid-century heaven. |
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This dynamic Nelson classic is the Turbine Clock. It seems like if you spun it, the structure of the clock would move counter-clockwise, while the hands, obviously, move in a clockwise direction. Now that brass is back in a big way, this is a great choice. I love the way it plays off the pattern of the grain on the wall.
| This apartment is next door to The Museum of Modern Art, and the Starburst Clock was a choice from the MoMA's archives. The color of the wood works with the beautiful Asian-inspired wood and translucent glass door. |
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This is the multi-colored version of Nelson's Ball Clock. It's often seen in orange, but it comes in several wood finishes. Honestly, I think the multi-colored version is the most fun. It can play with a mix of mid-century modern and kitschier (yes, I think I just made up that word) items.
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| Unfortunately, this is as close to this clock as I can get, so I'm not quite sure if it's a Nelson Spindle Clock or another style. Regardless, this cool and fun kitchen's combination of apple-martini green, turquoise, yellow and white — as well as the wonderful glass collection — make it a prime spot for a round Nelson clock. This kitchen has so much personality, as does the timepiece! |
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This one is called the Eye Clock for obvious reasons. More modern icons abound, such as the Jens Risom Chair and Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs. Also, in the hallway near the lucky lady who gets to hang out here, is a Nelson Bench. We haven't covered that Modern Icon yet, but I will.
Here's another Eye Clock in a colorful room.
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| Here the Spindle Clock draws attention at the far end of this kitchen. |
by Alterstudio
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I love the way this round Ball Clock has been placed in the perfect spot within a right triangle. Clearly the owner of this home understands the fun of playing with icons like this, and with geometry, because seen from further back in the same room...
by Alterstudio
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...the colorful Arne Jacobson Ant Chairs play off the clock, surrounding the round Saarinen Tulip Table the way the multicolored balls surround the edge of the clock.
Just for fun: Check out this entire project and count how many Modern Icons you can identify; the home is chock full of them. In this picture alone, in addition to the ones already mentioned, I spy an Egg Chair and a Nelson Pendant Light.
Share a photo of your Nelson clock below!
Next: More modern icons
Just for fun: Check out this entire project and count how many Modern Icons you can identify; the home is chock full of them. In this picture alone, in addition to the ones already mentioned, I spy an Egg Chair and a Nelson Pendant Light.
Share a photo of your Nelson clock below!
Next: More modern icons
Ideabook updated on April 27, 2011.
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What a gorgeous ideabook! I especially love the Turbine Clock photo. Don’t forget about the Nelson Asterisk Clock! This is a simple way to make a bold statement that would look great in any modern home.
Best,
Jill@DWR