George Nelson Swag Leg Chair for Herman Miller.

That is one sexy chair. Yes, I crush on chairs often, but this one is something special.  You've got to admit, it's pretty spectacular.

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The chair's history, taken from HomeOfficeSolutions.com:

When George Nelson began designing his Nelson™ Swag Leg chair for Herman Miller™ in 1958, he envisioned a sculptural look for the chair's base that would be made of metal and machine-formed. Nelson found his technical solution in “swagging,” a method of using pressure to taper and curve a metal tube, and engineered an elegant method of joining the four legs into one, tree trunk-like organic shape with a splayed base.

For the chair shell, Nelson got permission from Charles and Ray Eames to use their patented process for molding plastic, and created a chair with separate seat and back shells to let the chair back flex as the sitter moves, and allow air to circulate to prevent heat build-up. The resulting chair was a triumph of design that was comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing, equally at home in living rooms, dining rooms and home offices. 

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Charles Pollock helped design the chair!  After graduating from Pratt in the early 1950's, Pollock joined George Nelson's design studio. During his time with Nelson, he worked on the ground-breaking Swag Leg Chair, based on an idea he began developing while at Pratt. 

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George Nelson Saucer Lamp. Check!

I've had a George Nelson saucer lamp on my wish list for a very long time.  Don't they just scream mid century modern?  Well, as many things go, if you're patient, your number will eventually come up.  I used to think "Oh, I'll never find that" but I've been proven wrong.  Patience and persistence people!  It works. 

A few weeks back I randomly typed in "bubble lamp" in Craigslist Los Angeles and up popped a new listing for "large saucer lamp, $75".   I remained pessimistic, as I've missed out on these lamps before, but this time I guess it was my turn to be the lucky one. I got it!  

It was a dirty mess when I picked it up but still well worth $75. I did some research on how I could clean it and found a helpful post on Flickr.  While I don't mind some things in their found condition this was pretty dirty, sticky and dusty. 

Check out my cleaning process below > and definitely check out the link because he has some helpful tips i.e., do this in the bath tub if you can! 

Above is the lamp in its found condition.Though you can't really tell in these photos, there is a yellowish, sticky film and a thick layer of dust on top.

Here you can really see how dirty the lamp was.  The lighter side has been cleaned.  

I poured TSP directly onto the lamp a capful at a time, let it sit for approximately 2 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.  The first photo shows the lamp after one round.  I did the same process again but lightly rubbed the lamp with a wet sponge the second time.  The second photo shows how much lighter it got after the second cleaning.   Lastly, I blotted the treated areas lightly with a towel and let air dry.

Here is the lamp cleaned up and hung in my dining area.  There are some yellow spots I could not get out on the bottom, though I didn't scrub too hard in an attempt to do so for fear of damaging the lamp.  They might have come out with a little more effort but hey, it's an old lamp. I don't mind the little history it shows.  The top is a like-new crisp white.  

If you decide to try this on your George Nelson lamp, I found my TSP substitute at both Lowe's and Home Depot. I bought one small bottle at Lowe's then ran out quickly and went to Home Depot for a second bottle. Invest in the larger bottle, you'll need more than you think to clean your lamp.  Good luck! 

Mid Century Greats by Suburban Artifacts

Dear Suburban Artifacts, you've got exceptional taste and some i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e pieces for sale. I want them all!   Where oh where are you finding these treasures?...

Stanley Young for Glenn of California.  To die for!!   End table $200.  

I would pay $200 for this. 

(and check out that headboard in the background.  Gorgeous!)  

Danish Modern Lounge Chair with Teak Legs $350

Milo Baughman for Glenn of California.  Corner Table $800

George Nelson for Herman Miller.  Credenza $2500

Francesco Zaccone for Brunner.  Golf Chair $150

Finn Juhl.  End Table $300

Danish Stereo Cabinet, SOLD