Charles & Ray Eames
They were the mid-century’s Beyonce and Jay-Z. A creative duo who made art out of this short life. And shaped the world in their image. Today, Charles & Ray Eames are best remembered in the objects they left behind. In the colourful curves of the Plastic Collection. Or the soft folds of their beloved Lounge Chair. Beloved for timeless appeal and distinct mid-century optimism, they promise to add comfort and story wherever they’re placed.
Design's power couple
Every facet of creativity has its legends. With contributions so great that they changed the face of the very industry they loved. Those with such a passionate drive for their craft that they changed its course forever. Architecture has Hadid, cinema has Kubrick, the world of furniture? Well, we have Charles and Ray Eames.
The couple need but a mere mention of their surname to conjure mid-century mirages of their eponymous designs. One's that slot seamlessly into hotels, homes and more. In a somewhat nonchalant world, their pieces bring the story and the style to interiors in a way few others can.
Their partnership utilised Ray's incredible command of colour due to her artistry background and Charles ' architectural education, along with a few famous friends such as Eero Saarinen, to build a collection that dominated the design world.
- Which is the most famous Eames piece?Not that it needs much introduction, the Eames Lounge Chair is probably the most recognisable piece of furniture in existence. It has graced TV screens and exhibition halls alike. As far as mid-century iconography goes, this is no comparison.
- What Eames designs are on display at Chaplins?We couldn't really call ourselves an emporium of design if we didn't display as many icons of furniture history as possible, could we? Our showroom is home to a musuems worth of Eames inventions, from their famous lounge chairs to the accessories.
- More than just furniture?If you consider yourself a creative, you'll know those passions don't often confine themselves to the scope of just one particular field. Art, movies, buildings and more were the product of furniture's greatest love story.
- Human by design:During WWII, chair supports weren't the most important legs the Eameses were responsible for creating. Being commissioned by the US Navy to create medical splints to aid the war wounded's recovery.
- Fun fact:The original Eames Lounge Chair was developed as a thank you gift to long-time friend, director Billy Wilder.
