Essential Eames
Born in 1907, Charles Eames began studying architecture at Washington University, and later opened an architectural practice in St. Louis. Several years later, Eames was offered a fellowship and teaching post by Eliel Saarinen to develop an experimental design department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. It was during this time that Eames became familiar with fellow Cranbrook artists such as Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Ed Bacon, Harry Weese, Ralph Rapson, and Eero Saarinen. It was also at Cranbrook that Charles met and later married Ray Kaiser, a fellow student and painter. A founding member of the American Abstract Artists, Ray had studied with Hans Hoffman.
In 1940, Eames and Saarinen were awarded two first prizes for their designs in the Organic Furniture Competition presented by Museum of Modern Art. But production of the innovative curved plywood designs was not realized due to their unique construction process and the pending world war.
It was shortly after this that Charles and Ray Eames relocated to California and began research into methods for molding plywood. Their work led to the establishment of an independent laboratory, which was commissioned during the war to produce molded plywood splints, stretchers, and experimental glider shells.
Upon conclusion of the war, Charles and Ray began to produce their first molded plywood furniture designs, which were ultimately manufactured by Herman Miller. The chairs, featuring gently curving surfaces of laminated veneers, provided one of the first mass produced, pieces of designer furniture available.
Trained as an architect, Eames is also known for his famous residence in Santa Monica. Completed in 1949, the house became the paradigm for incorporating standard industrial building components into private residences. The house and studio consist of exposed structural components and expanses of glass within a modular building system. The result is a residence with a strong sense of light and spatial freedom. A modern icon, the innovative residence was recognized with the American Institute of Architects Twenty-Five Year Award in 1978 for its 'subtle richness of pattern, color, and texture... and a sense of unity which has withstood the test of time'. Indeed, the structure created by Eames is a modern classic.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Charles and Ray Eames, you are encouraged to visit these websites:
Charles and Ray Eames
Manufacturer Herman Miller provides a brief biography of Charles and Ray Eames to introduce their collection of furniture.
Eames Office
The Eames Office is dedicated to communicating and preserving the work of Charles and Ray Eames.
The Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention
The Library of Congress presents an exhibition on the contributions of this creative design team.
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