Image source: Herman Miller — Nelson Swag Leg Armchair
© Herman Miller and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Nelson Swag Leg Armchair
A flexible two-part shell sits on George Nelson's pressure-formed steel legs.
Approx. $1,100 (reference price; varies by region and retailer)
Official product information
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Description
Overview
The Nelson Swag Leg Armchair combines separate seat and back shells with wide arms and a swaged steel base. Herman Miller places it at desks, dining tables, work tables, and conference tables.
Construction
Pressure tapers and bends 16-gauge steel tubes into curved legs with adjustable glides. The seat and back shells are molded separately and joined, with a slit for ventilation and flex.
Uses
Herman Miller specifies the armchair for desks, dining tables, work tables, and conference tables, and supplies adjustable glides.
Story
Beginning with the legs
George Nelson wanted metal legs that could be machine formed, prefinished, assembled, and taken apart. Swaging supplied the curve and taper and gave the design its name.
Two official dates
The current product page says the chair first appeared in 1958. Herman Miller's product sheet lists an original production date of 1954. Because the official sources conflict, the design year remains empty.
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