Furnishings

The One Name in Atomic Age Furnishings: Eames

Charles Eames was born in St. Louis in 1907. He studied architecture for two years at Washington University, before accepting a fellowship from Eliel Saarinen to Cranbrook Academy of Art. At Cranbrook, Charles became an instructor after one year and also during this time worked in Saarinen's private practice. Charles first gained recognition for furniture design in 1940 when he and Eliel's son, Eero, won a competition sponsored by the Museum of Modern Art. Wartime halted the production of these designs.

In 1941, Charles married Ray Kaiser, a fellow student at Cranbrook who worked on the development of presentations for the Museum of Modern Art competition.

Ray and Charles Eames then moved to California and began researching methods for molding plywood. Designs from this period included: molded plywood splints, stretchers, and airplane components, followed by: the chairs, screens and tables which marked their entry into the world of modern design.

Charles and Ray built their home, making experimental use of prefabricated components based on a welded steel stay frame with plywood panels. The link with earlier avant-garde architecture and interior design was made explicit by their use of primary colors for these panels.

The Eames regarded their games, teaching, exhibitions, furniture and films which were produced with the technological and media resources of industrial society as tools with which to improve the quality of life.

Charles died in St Louis (his native city) in 1978. Ray carried on their work with the Eames Office until she died in 1989.

Charles and Ray Eames left a permanent mark on the history of 20th century design by forging new directions in furniture designs. By applying innovative uses of materials and technology to the new forms they created, the Eameses changed mass production of contemporary furniture.

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