George Nelson (1908-1986) is looked upon as one of the founding fathers of American modernism.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1908 Nelson studied Architecture at Yale University, where he graduated in 1928.
However finding too few projects in architecture, like many of the architects of the time, he turned to product, graphic and interior design.
Basing himself in Rome he travelled through Europe and met a number of the pioneers of modernism.
When he returned to the USA a few years later he established himself as a writer becoming an associate editor at “Architectural Forum” from 1935-1943 and later becoming consultant editor from 1944-49.
During this time he penned such noteworthy musings as "Pencil Points" which introduced Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Gio Ponti to North America.
However it was the innovative concepts in his book: Tomorrow's House, which introduced the concept of the "family room" and notably the "storagewall" that attracted the attention of Herman Miller's president, D.J. De Pree, who in 1945 asked him to become Herman Miller's design director.
During his time there he set new standards for the involvement of design in all the activities of the company.
Nelson passed away in New York City in 1986.
Today Nelson’s best known designs are his Marshmallow Sofa (1956), Coconut Chair (1955), and his clocks including the Ball Clock (1964) and Sunflower Clock (1958).