George Nelson (1908-1986) was one of the most influential figures in American design during the second half of the twentieth century. This comprehensive retrospective explores the visionary work of Nelson who was not only a leading designer and notable architect, but also a prominent author, editor, lecturer, exhibition designer, and a passionate photographer.

1. Visiting the George Nelson Exhibition

2. 1. Exhibitions
2. Education
3. Home
4. Graphic and Corporate Design
5. Office
6. Clocks
Exhibition Layout

3. Planning and designing exhibitions allowed Nelson to test out new
structural techniques and materials on temporary constructions, a prime
example being his government-commissioned Exhibition in Moscow, in
1959.
Exhibitions

4. Exhibitions

5. Nelson was actively involved in aesthetic education, particularly the
development of critical perception of our everyday environment. In his
time, he gave many multimedia based lectures.
Education

6. Nelson not only designed furniture for the home, but was also greatly
concerned with the layout of the home, promoting modern home
planning, orientated to the spatial needs of the occupants.
The Home

7. The Home

8. Nelson was one of the first to recognise the importance of corporate
design, even before it had become an established concept.
Graphic and Corporate Design

9. Graphic and Corporate Design

10. George Nelson’s conscious and critical observation of the office
dynamics, led to numerous innovations created to maximise productivity,
efficiency, health and enthusiasm for work.
The Office

11. The Office

12. A 35 year collaboration between Nelson and the Howard Miller Clock
company saw over 130 uniquely decorative clock models produced.
Clocks

13. Clocks

14. Design Related Online Resources
Students speak, Design and Technology students speak about their major design
projects
Australia innovates, an online guide to innovation in Australia’s industries
Australian designers at work, meet six designers and learn about their design
practice
Dhub, online design magazine and gateway to the world’s best design collections
HSC technology syllabus support: case studies in design, technology and cultural
diversity
Sydney designers unplugged: case studies from seven design studios
Electronic swatchbook: thousands of fabric samples from the 1830s to the 1920s
Interactive database: search 69,112 objects collected from 1880 to the present day
Australian Dress Register: documenting significant men’s, women’s and children’s
dress in NSW up to 1945

15. Design Related Exhibitions & Programs
Exhibitions
Ecologic: creating a sustainable future, Level 1
Australian International Design Awards, level 3
Engineering Excellence, Level 3
7 Australian Designers Display, level 2
Workshop
George Nelson Workshop - George Nelson was one of the most influential Industrial
Designers and Architects of the twentieth century. In this workshops students learn about
George Nelson’s design process, visit the exhibition and then produce their own Coconut
Chair prototype