George Nelson & Associates
CSS (Comprehensive Storage System)


Herman Miller
USA, 1959
walnut, enameled aluminum, zinc-plated steel, glass, plastic, laminate
102 h x 203 w x 15 d in (259 x 516 x 38 cm)

Unit features a fully customizable configuration consisting of seven bays, twenty-four adjustable bracketed shelves, four cabinets each with two sliding doors concealing four adjustable shelves and open storage, one drop-front desk concealing divided storage and two drawers, and swing-arm lamp. Circular aluminum manufacturer's label to interior of desk and one cabinet 'Design by George Nelson Herman Miller Zeeland, Mich.'. Impressed manufacturer's mark to pull of desk door 'Herman Miller'.

Provenance: Rago, Back to Modern, 15 June 2014, Lot 1093 | Private Collection

Literature: George Nelson: Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher, von Vegesack and Eisenbrand, pg. 245 Design for Living: Furniture and Lighting 1950-2000, Hanks and Hoy, ppg. 54-55

This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.

Wired for American outlets, three glass front cabinets each equipped with a single fluorescent pin base bulb, and swing-arm lamp with a single socket for standard base bulbs. All illuminate properly when tested for function, with fluorescent bulbs needing some time and encouragement. Good overall vintage condition. Surfaces exhibit several scattered scratches, indentations, abrasions, remnants of adhesive, water marks, stains, lifting, chips and losses to veneer, as well as areas of crazing to enamel and finish loss throughout. Unit is sold with one extra shelf, not pictured, with mismatched brackets and cannot be installed as-is, as well as some extra pieces of hardware.