George Nelson’s inspiration for the original Bubble lamps came from a set of silk-covered pendant lights intended for his office. When these proved too expensive, the ever-enterprising Nelson set out to make his own utilising a self-webbing plastic spray and a rounded steel frame. The resulting designs became instant classics, and take pride of place in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.
HAY’s Angled Sphere Bubble Pendant sits perfectly alongside the other pieces in the collection, casting an ethereal glow through the polymer shell. The subtle angles of the shade enhance the form with a geometric precision, setting it apart from the more traditional rounded forms found elsewhere.
George Nelson read architecture at the renowned Yale University and completed his studies at the American academy in Rome. He was editor in chief of the 'Architectural Forum' from 1935 to 1944.
After having set up his own Architecture and Industrial design company in 1946, he began collaborating with Vitra in 1957. His pieces, such as the Coconut chair, his clocks and the Marshmallow Sofa, are regarded highly amongst the 20th Century design classics.
