Shelving Unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959

Expansive Four Bay George Nelson ‘Comprehensive Storage System’ (CSS) with customized ash shelving installed by first sale client in the 1970s. Introduced by Herman Miller in 1959, CSS was a refinement on Nelson’s slightly earlier ‘OMNI’ storage system for Structural Products Inc but retained and expanded upon its modular, multiple component system of an adaptable and expandable storage system touting simple and easy assembly. This ‘Floor to Ceiling Installation’ consists of structural poles of anodized extruded aluminum spaced at intervals of 32’’ apart to create a single bay. There are five poles (No.9101) with this system thus creating four bays which can accommodate various 32’’ wide CSS components. This particular system includes twenty-five black metal shelf brackets (No.9104) to support five solid ash plain cut shelves displaying an active grain pattern with nice ‘cathedral effects. Each shelf is 0.75’’ thick, 129’’ long, and 11.75’’ deep. Shelf height is adjustable per clients needs at time of installation. This system also includes five original canister lights (No.9138) in black matte finish metal that contain two bulb sockets each allowing for both up and down light. The wiring is concealed in the pole’s channel making for an uncluttered look. The custom shelves which each run the entire width of the system create a very linear, architecturally clean effect which is absent using standard CSS shelving of 32’’ width set at different heights between the bays.