The brilliant Irving Harper didn’t choose to unwind with a Manhattan after a stressful day in Manhattan. Rather, he overindulged in paper and glue. A designer at George Nelson Associates for 16 years, he was crucial to Nelson’s success during his tenure, creating the Marshmallow Sofa, Ball Clock, Herman Miller logo and countless other iconic works under the umbrella of George Nelson Associates.
Anonymity was once the norm in this industry, especially for designers working for a major studio like George Nelson. Harper didn’t expect public recognition for his work, and that humility gave him the ability to spend his personal time creating for his own enjoyment, completely without a filter or specific audience in mind.
For 40 years he crafted magnificent paper animals, figures and objects simply for the joy of relaxation, meditation and play, having no intention to share them with the world. How amazing is that?
To learn more take a look at this post on Design Within Reach, here.
03/24/2015 | Posted by Eye Forward
Categories: Fashion
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