The Coconut Chair, a prime example of 1950s design, is distinguished by its humorous undertones, formal clarity and sparing use of materials. The designer himself, George Nelson, compared the armchair with a coconut cut into eight parts, though he reversed the colours: the outer shell of the Coconut Chair is white, while the one-piece cushion is covered with high-quality leather or fabric in a variety of colours. By evoking the natural, spacious shape of a shell, Nelson created an inviting and comfortable armchair that allows the sitter to assume a wide range of positions.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
George Nelson, born 1908 in Hartford, Connecticut (USA), studied architecture at Yale University. A fellowship enabled him to study at the American Academy in Rome from 1932-34. In Europe, he became acquainted with the major architectural works and leading protagonists of modernism. The collaboration between Nelson and Vitra began in 1957. From 1946 onwards Nelson also ran his own design office, c ...
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