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Charles and Ray Eames Furniture

American

Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century.

As furniture designers, filmmakers, artists, textile and graphic designers and even toy and puzzle makers, the Eameses were a visionary and effective force for the notion that design should be an agent of positive change. They are the happy, ever-curious, ever-adventurous faces of modernism.

Charles (1907–78) studied architecture and industrial design. Ray (née Beatrice Alexandra Kaiser, 1912–88) was an artist, who studied under the Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit (the legendary institution where Charles also met his frequent collaborator Eero Saarinen and the artist and designer Harry Bertoia) and married the next year.

His technical skills and her artistic flair were wonderfully complementary. They moved to Los Angeles in 1941, where Charles worked on set design for MGM. In the evenings at their apartment, they experimented with molded plywood using a handmade heat-and-pressurization device they called the “Kazam!” machine. The next year, they won a contract from the U.S. Navy for lightweight plywood leg splints for wounded servicemen — they are coveted collectibles today; more so those that Ray used to make sculptures.

The Navy contract allowed Charles to open a professional studio, and the attention-grabbing plywood furniture the firm produced prompted George Nelson, the director of design of the furniture-maker Herman Miller Inc., to enlist Charles and (by association, if not by contract) Ray in 1946. Some of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel.

The Eameses eagerly embraced new technology and materials, and one of their peculiar talents was to imbue their supremely modern design with references to folk traditions. Their Wire chair group of the 1950s, for example, was inspired by basket weaving techniques. The populist notion of “good design for all” drove their molded fiberglass chair series that same decade, and also produced the organic-form, ever-delightful La Chaise. In 1956 the Eames lounge chair and ottoman appeared — the supremely comfortable plywood-base-and-leather-upholstery creation that will likely live in homes as long as there are people with good taste and sense.

Charles Eames once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” For very good collectors and thoughtful interior designers, a piece of design by the Eameses, the closer produced to original conception the better, is almost de rigueur — for its beauty and comfort, and not least as a tribute to the creative legacy and enduring influence of Charles and Ray Eames.

The collection of original Eames furniture on 1stDibs includes chairs, tables, case pieces and other items.

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Period: 19th Century
Creator: Charles and Ray Eames
Eames Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Herman Miller, United States, 1957
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Antwerp, BE
Eames lounge chair with ottoman, designed by the iconic duo Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This timeless icon has been carefully restored to its first-generation glory, born March 5, 1957, in the United States. It features the signature 5-ply plywood construction, down-filled cushions, and coveted Rio walnut veneer sourced from the highly sought-after Dalbergia nigra in Brazil, renowned as the most valuable wood in the world. This particular chair was directly acquired in Saint-Louis, Missouri, USA. The restoration process of the veneer included stripping, bleaching, washing, scraping, sanding, and multi-layered oiling. A tension test was conducted on the shock mounts, which proved to be very stable. The rubber components of the vertical supports were replaced. All leather parts were washed, recolored, and nourished. The down filling was fluffed, tufting was reattached, and 2 back panels with zippers were replaced. All hardware underwent electrolytic cleaning and steaming, and the threads of the hardware were purified. All exposed aluminum parts were manually polished, and the bush in sintered bronze was replaced. The result is a breathtaking revival of the Eames lounge chair, with every detail lovingly restored to its original splendor. The Eames lounge chair made its debut on March 14, 1956, on the renowned NBC program 'Home,' hosted by Arlene Francis. Notably, it was the first piece of furniture ever launched on national television and remains the only one to have stayed in continuous production to this day. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, along with their close friend, the renowned film director Billy Wilder, the chair was envisioned with Wilder in mind. Interestingly, upon its initial presentation to Wilder, he simply fell asleep in the chair. Charles Eames consistently described his vision for the chair as wanting to impart the receptive appearance of a well-used baseball...
Category

1850s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Charles and Ray Eames Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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Previously Available Items
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Several chair design Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller from the 1970s. An important characteristic of the Aluminum chair is the intelligent combination of materials. It has a clear, transparent form and its construction is clearly visible. Aluminium sections lend the chair both stability and lightness. Good Vintage condition despite a wear of age. Model EA108...
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Mid-19th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Antique Charles and Ray Eames Furniture

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Vitra Eames Aluminum Chair, EA 108
Vitra Eames Aluminum Chair, EA 108
H 32.68 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Eames Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
Very comfortable.
Category

19th Century American Antique Charles and Ray Eames Furniture

Eames Chair and Ottoman
Eames Chair and Ottoman
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 22 in

Charles And Ray Eames furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Charles and Ray Eames furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Charles and Ray Eames furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 714 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Charles and Ray Eames were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Herman Miller, Milo Baughman, and Dunbar. Prices for Charles and Ray Eames furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $200 and can go as high as $75,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,496.
Questions About Charles and Ray Eames Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    For Charles and Ray Eames’ chairs designed for Herman Miller, molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, bent and welded wire mesh, and cast aluminum were used in production. You can shop a collection of Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Charles and Ray Eames were related by marriage. Charles studied architecture and industrial design. Ray (née Bernice Alexandra Kaiser) was an artist who studied under painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit and married the next year. Shop a selection of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    To pronounce Eames, say EEMS. The correct pronunciation rhymes with the word “seems.” Eames is the surname of designers Charles and Ray Eames, known for their pioneering mid-century modern furniture designs, such as the Eames Lounge Chair. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of Eames furniture from some of the world's top dealers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Charles and Ray Eames are famous for their chair designs. The couple released their first iconic Eames Lounge and Ottoman in 1956 and went on to create more chairs that changed the idea of comfortable seating. In addition to being great furniture designers, Ray and Charles were also graphic and textile designers, architects and film-makers. Shop a collection of Eames chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    No, Plycraft is not the same as Eames. Plycraft is the name of an American furniture manufacturer founded in the early 1950s in Massachusetts. Eames refers to Charles and Ray Eames, two of the most celebrated furniture designers of the 20th century. After marrying in 1941, Charles and Ray moved to Los Angeles, where they established the Eames Office and eventually built their lifelong residence, the Eames House in Pacific Palisades as part of the Case Study House Program. Their designs are among Herman Miller’s most popular products of all time. Plycraft founder Paul Goldman was the company’s principal designer, but George Mulhauser and Norman Cherner were also enlisted to create furniture for the brand. On 1stDibs, shop vintage Eames furniture (and Plycraft, too).
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Charles and Ray Eames have been recognized as the 20th century’s most influential designers and are best known for their highly recognizable chairs. The Eames lounge chair and ottoman are an iconic duo in modern-styled furniture, and s​ome of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel. Find vintage Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rosewood was the favorite wood of famed American designers Charles and Ray Eames. Rosewood made its way into some of the duo’s most celebrated designs, including the iconic Eames lounge chair. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of genuine Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.

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