Walnut veneer on plywood and bronzed metal
USA, circa 1961
George Nelson (1908-1986)
Manufactured by Herman Miller Co., Zeeland, Michigan, USA
Mid-century Modern
Shelves branded “Omni”
Modular unit comprises 6 vertical supports, 26 brackets, 13 shelves, two-door cabinet and fall front desk unit, along with mounting hardware
Approximate overall: 112” x 161” x 18” (height x width x depth)
Vertical supports: 112” high
Shelf: 32” x 12” (width x depth)
Configuration may vary.
Good condition
Private Collection, New York

The classic George Nelson “Omni” modular wall unit is a midcentury American classic. It was manufactured by Herman Miller, where Nelson served as director for over 25 years. He shared the Herman Miller philosophy of design in that it must present a solution that is as purposeful as it is beautiful. This stylish and useful wall unit is modular and can be configured to best suit the space and user. It includes six vertical standards with adjustable feet, thirteen shelves, and two case units (cabinet and fall front desk), with original hardware. It comes to us from its original owner, who purchased it in the early 1960s.

The wall unit is in good vintage condition with some light scratches and paint splattering at edges. It measures 112” x 161” x 18” overall (height x width x depth). Vertical supports measure 112” high with adjustable foot and each shelf measures 32” x 12” (width x depth). Configuration may vary.

George Nelson (1908-1986)

George Nelson was one of the most important figures at Herman Miller. Nelson’s work as the Director of Design shaped the company during the post-war period. Educated at Yale, Nelson traveled and interviewed famous architects while working for Architectural Forum. His Storage Wall was the first modular storage system and was featured inLife in 1945. Nelson’s Marshmallow Sofa and Coconut Chair are some of his most well-known furniture designs. The Michigan based company Herman Miller also featured other famous designers such as Isamu Noguchi and Charles and Ray Eames during the same period that George Nelson was at the company.