“Design is a response to social change“ George Nelson once said, the Director of Design at office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller. Economic growth and larger companies lead to rapid changes at “the office” as a workplace. Furniture had to be rational, practical and durable – and versatile, as this system shows perfectly.

In 1955 nelson developed the „modular seating system“, including sofas, benches, sideboards and tables, all interchangeable in a very modern “mix and match”-attitude. Often used for receptions and waiting areas, but also in larger individual offices (think of the chic managerial ‚mad men‘ offices).

This piece is a “modular table bench”, with a seating module in the center, expertly re-upholstered and clad in the luxurious fabric “alexander”, a luminous curving colour embroidered on linen, by French home textile company Maison Pierre Frey. Left and right to the seating pad are two Brazilian rosewood tables, carefully restored without losing its patina. Courtesy of antibeige.