These have been produced for over fifty years because they are attractive, sturdy and comfortable. this is still in high demand today, with modern reproductions of the chair coming at a much more affordable cost for the customer.
What is an Eames chair?
Correctly titled the Eames Lounge (671) and Ottoman (672), this chair was one of the leading chair designs of the 20th Century, combining modern architecture with classic design.
After years of development it was introduced in 1956 by two American designers, Charles and Ray Eames. Since then the Herman Miller furniture company, with whom the Eames worked closely, has been producing the chair.
Although this is an attractive piece, the designers' key aim was to make a chair that was as comfortable as possible by making it 'resemble the warmth, familiarity and comfort of a well worn baseball mitt.' (Charles Eames.)
The chair's design
This is made from rich wooden veneers (it is worth noting that the veneer grain will differ in each chair), rubber or metal shock mounts, and thick cushions that are upholstered in soft Italian leather. The combination of these different materials produces a chair that integrates a classic luxurious feel with a modern appearance and style. The chair pivots and is at a permanently reclined angle, which helps to distribute body weight towards the rear of the chair.
Differences between the original chairs and the modern reproductions
Veneers: modern reproductions of this products glue a higher quantity of thinner layers of wood veneer, shaped by heat and pressure. There weren't as many veneer layers (made out of rosewood and plywood) in original chairs.
Rubber spacers: a reproduced Eames chair will use a range of materials for the spacers such as metal, plastic or rubber, whereas the original chairs used rubber spacers only.
Cushion zips: earlier these had brown or black zips, whereas the zips on modern chairs are only black.
The dimensions of the Eames chair and ottoman
Eames Chair Dimensions (H x W x D): 840mm x 850mm x 840mm
Ottoman Dimensions (H x W x D): 450mm x 550mm x 650mm
Television appearances of the Eames chair
After numerous television appearances in the past fifty years, this is a well-recognised piece of furniture.
The most notable appearances are listed below:
4.It made its debut television appearance on the Arlene Francis 'Home' show aired on the NBC network in 1956.
5. The Eames chair graced the apartment of Frazier Crane in 'Frazier', a popular US sitcom.
6.Most recently however the product was used as part of a home makeover in the hit show '60 Minute Makeover.'
Gallery installations
As well as making various TV appearances, this product has also been installed in some of America's art museums and galleries:
1.The chair has been installed by The New York Museum of Modern Art in the museum's permanent collection.
2. For the past few decades this has been displayed permanently in the Art Institute of Chicago.
How much does an Eames chair cost?
Although this product originals are expensive (generally costing in excess of £5000) reproduction units are available at around a quarter of the cost. Nonetheless reproductions match the premium quality of the originals with the same design, materials and specifications.
Where is the best place to put an Eames chair?
these are incredibly versatile: they look ideal in any living room, library, study, lounge or office. If you want a chair in your home that incorporates maximum comfort with striking style, then an Eames chair would be the perfect choice for you.
The author works closely with Icon Inspired, a company who supplies a wide range of Eames reproduction furniture. The Eames chair reproduction does justice to the original in terms of materials, design specifications and build quality. Visit their website to view Eames chair reproductions.
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