George Nelson Bubble Lamp History

A large saucer lamp was simply sold under bubble lamp h 727 a.

George nelson bubble lamp history.

Nelson designed the first bubble lamp in 1947 incorporating a self webbing plastic that was developed for military use. Howard miller continued to sell the line throughout the late 1970 s after which they were discontinued. George nelson never named the different lamp designs and they were simply given numbers by howard miller. His firm george nelson associates also designed a large series of wall and table clocks for the howard miller company as well as a range of hanging bubble lamps which had plastic membrane covered wire form shades wrought iron fireplace pieces planters room dividers ceiling mounted ribbon wall spice cabinets and many other products.

The nelson bubble lamp collection designed by george nelson includes pendants wall sconces floor lamps and table lamps. The story behind their creation is best told in the words of george nelson himself. Somehow evocative of both paper lanterns and the space race they have a warm simplicity that is always in style. Military at the time the material was a soft yet durable plastic that was spray coated around a steel wire frame changing the game of mid century lighting for years to come.

George nelson s bubble lamps are familiar icons of modernism.