If you don’t know them by name, you will surely recognize them on sight. And like me, you probably want some of this action in your home or office. Arguably among the most iconic furniture designs of our time, Eames chairs (along with many other inventions) were the products of a dynamic design duo – husband and wife, Charles and Ray Eames.
Renowned for their notable contributions to architecture, furniture design, industrial design and manufacturing, Charles and Ray started their furniture design collaboration work by molding plywood in the early 1940’s. By 1946, Evans Products had began producing the Eames’ molded plywood furniture but production was later taken over by Herman Miller, Inc., who continues to produce the furniture in the United States to this day. Another company, Vitra International, manufactures the furniture in Europe.
It’s fascinating to think that that their most popular designs, originally manufactured with humble materials like plywood, fiberglass and aluminum, were created between 1946 and 1976 and are still adored by aficionados of good design to this day.
We are talking mid-century modern at its very best!
The gallery above is a clear reflection of my favourite styles but my top pick would have to be the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (pictured in the feature image). Released in 1956, it still exudes the vision of it’s creator, Charles Eames, to have the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt”. I’d say that the embracing design of the correctly titled Eames Lounge (671) and Ottoman (672) achieve just that.
Other favorites… because, seriously, who can have just one in this line-up… are the Molded Plastic Rocker (RAR) and the Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Armchair (DAW). I read somewhere that since the 1950’s, any Herman Miller employee who became a new parent was offered the rocker for their nursery or a savings bond. More than 90% have chosen the rocker. I love that interesting little statistic.
Eames chairs have, of course, been widely imitated but originals remain highly sought-after thanks to their groundbreaking design and technology. Whether you’re after something for relaxing, rocking, dining or reclining, there’s an Eames design, in all its fresh and uncomplicated aesthetic glory, that will work beautifully for your space.
Dubai residents, you’ll be pleased to know that Eames designs are available locally. See the directory page for more info. Sadly, I can’t justify the price tag of the lounge chair and ottoman right now but I’d like to think that as soon as I can, I surely will.
Source: feature image | first gallery: All copyright © Eames Office | second gallery: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 | last gallery 1 / 2
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[…] and Ray Eames combined their fondness for industrial production methods with organic shapes – something I’ve spoken about around here before. With the use of a single material for the base and seat the design of the Wire Chair was born. […]
[…] and Ray Eames combined their fondness for industrial production methods with organic shapes – something I’ve spoken about around here before. With the use of a single material for the base and seat the design of the Wire Chair was born. The […]