Manufacturer: Vitra | Designer: George Nelson, 1949–1960

Wall Sculpture as Timepiece

The Sunburst Wall Clock is part of the Nelson clock family, conceived across a prolific period of design between 1949 and 1960. George Nelson's starting point was the observation that people read the time by the position of the hands, not by numerals — which made numbers on a clock face redundant. The result was a series of designs that treated the clock as a sculptural object first and a timepiece second.

The Sunburst is the most exuberant form in the collection: alternating long and short lacquered wood spokes radiate from a central hub in a classic mid-century sunburst pattern, the silhouette instantly recognisable. At 47cm across it makes a bold statement on any wall, and the four colourways — Multicolour, Walnut, Red and Black/Brass — mean it works in everything from a playful living room to a more restrained interior. Vitra has reissued the Nelson Clocks since 1999 as part of the Vitra Design Museum Collection, produced true to the original.

Specifications

• Dimensions — Ø47cm
• Materials — Various types of wood and metal
• Colours — Multicolour, Walnut, Red, Black/Brass
• Wood origin — All wood types from Poland
• Movement — High-quality quartz; 1.5V battery included
• Collection — Vitra Design Museum Collection

Part of the Vitra Accessories collection.