George Nelson was an influential designer who worked during the 20th century and played a key role in defining modernism as we know it today. The designer developed a range of products over the years – from furniture pieces to decorative items such as clocks and trays – , but the
Nelson Bubble collection of lamps was the one that contributed most to its popularity. Made with tensioned steel wires sprayed with resin varnish and a thin layer of plastic, the timeless lamp stood out for its
unique structure with low production costs.
The collection was inspired by a set of lamps the designer found in Sweden. Covered in silk, the lamps were
difficult and expensive to produce . Nelson then came across a seemingly unrelated reference, but it soon led to an
intuitive idea . He recalls he: "A New York Times photo from a few weeks earlier showed Liberty ships being put out of commission with a net and then sprayed with
self-weaving plastic ."
The first prototype of the lamp was designed in a matter of two days.
The designer drew on elemental and organic shapes to create variations of the piece, such as the Apple Bubble Pendant, the Pear Wall Sconce, the Lotus Table Lamp and the Saucer Pendant. The combination of the crossed lines of the structure and the spraying of translucent white plastic allowed for
very soft lighting with a charming and striking outline, which transfers to the decoration a delicacy characteristic of its
floating appearance .
