Eames & That Lounge Chair!!!
It had to happen sooner or later. I would have to write a post about one of my favourite Iconic chair designs, the Eames Lounge Chair. As it turns out, I had yet another encounter with this 20th Century design classic at Heal’s last week, and its been on my mind ever since. So this post comes to you sooner than planned.
(Image from Vitra)
To be honest, as I don’t actually own one (YET), I have become a bit of an Eames Lounge Chair Stalker. When I do find one, I will quiet gladly plonk myself down in the middle of a shop, and just sit there to my heart’s content. Personally, I see this as an Act of Appreciation, and I highly recommended that you try it for yourself. It is the only way to fully comprehend the comfort, design and style of this iconic chair.
Having set eyes on the Eames Lounge Chair a few years ago, my love for it has continued to grow. It is hard to deny that it is aesthetically beautiful in design. It’s curvaceous elegant lines call out to you to just go sit and be embraced, which it does very well. (Image from Vitra)
There will be some of you who may, (gasps), have never seen this beauty. And, I imagine, quiet a few of you may not be able to comprehend the price tag of (gulps), £5,242. My hubby certainly doesn’t. Although, to be fair, this price does include The ottoman, (they are sold separately). I am not sure why anyone would part these two beauties as they are essential to the whole sitting experience, as well as for aesthetic purposes. Don’t be put off though, it is worth every penny, honest! Let me explain a little bit of the history behind it, and you may just change your minds. That is, if you haven’t already been smitten by its good looks.
Model 670 Lounge Chair & Model 671 Ottoman
(Image from Vitra)
The Model 670 Lounge Chair, and Model 671 Ottoman (their official names), were designed by Charles and his wife Ray Eames in 1956. These Mid-Century legends in modernism were to go on to produce many of todays most famous classics, such as PAW and the RAR rocking chairs. Eames were the first designers to construct a press that enabled them to bend plywood into 3D shapes, an innovation in itself at the time.
Much of their work was heralded for their innovative use of new materials such as plywood and plastic. The Eames are universally renowned for their chair designs. The Washington Post once commented that the Eames “changed how the 20th century sat down.” (Image from J Fletcher Design)
For the Lounge Chair, Charles and Ray Eames took inspiration from the old English club chair. Their intention was to create a new updated version, and the rest, as they say, is history, well furniture history that is. They set a new benchmark for luxury and comfort. Unlike their other designs, where they sought to provide mass-produced and affordable inspired pieces, the Lounge Chair was to be the exception. It was, and still is, a major success as a high-end, quality chair design.
The Eames Lounge Chair oozes Mid-Century coolness, and looks as good in our homes today, as it did back in 1956, when it was first designed. (Image from Vitra)
The chair consists of three shells. The headrest, backrest and seat. Each is made from five fused layers of plywood, with the addition of two layers of veneer. These sit on a metal swivel base. The armrests are innovatively made with the use of shock mounts that Charles and Ray had employed in an earlier design in 1946.
Vitra has produced the Lounge Chair using the same manufacturing methods as when it was first made. Working with the Eames Office, Vitra now offer a selection of new combinations of carefully coordinated leather upholstery colours, wood veneers and bases. (Image from Vitra)
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Eames Lounge Chair, Vitra has now launched the Lounge Chair and Ottoman as a limited edition with black Twill fabric covers. This special version is only available from 1 November 2016 to 31 January 2017. It is also cheaper at £4,890 :D (Image from Heal’s)
There are, of course, a whole host of imitations out there, if you’re so inclined. For me, though, I am quiet happy to wait and get the real thing. Although, I just hope I won’t be too grey and old to be able to enjoy it.
I am also incredibly excited to have entered a competition to win one of the new Limited Edition, Twill upholstered fabric versions, courtesy of Heal’s and Vitra. Wish me luck!!! Fancy winning one yourself? All you need to do is post a photo of yourself sitting in an Eames Lounge Chair in Heal’s and post it to Instagram or Facebook. You will need to add the #Iwantaloungechair, #Vitra, #UK (or for your country change to #Germany etc)
Maybe you’ve got a favourite chair design. (I can’t be the only one with a chair crush!) It would be great to hear from you so I could feature it on future blog posts.
That’s all from me this week. I hope you have a great weekend wherever you are!!
Until next time, thanks for stopping by and reading todays post!
Maria x
4 Comments
Just spent the morning sitting in one at Mum’s….comfort at its best ;) Great post again Maria. Something tells me that you like the Eames chair!!! :) xx
Ooh yes Amanda sitting in one, you can really Appreciate its comfort and style ? thanks again for your lovely comments and for taking time to read today’s post!! Xx
Love this. Stalker alert. Haha. Great post and I love your angle of appreciation. That’s so true.
Thanks Carrie ? yes definitely a stalker of this beautiful chair. Thanks for reading and your lovely comments ?