Designer Spotlight | Charles & Ray Eames
Charles Eames is an American architect, designer and filmmaker born in 1907. He studied architecture and Washington University, dropping out after two years to start his own firm. Charles later met Finnish architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen who encouraged him to complete his studies at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.
Ray Eames is an American artist and designer born in 1912. In 1933 Ray moved to New York City to study abstract expressionist painting under Hans Hofmann and later became a key figure in the New York art scene. Continuing her education at Cranbrook Academy of Art after realising ambitions to build a house in California, it was here that the future couple met.
Charles and Ray married in 1941 after working together alongside Eero Saarinen preparing designs to be entered into MoMAs Organic Furniture Competition winning the chair and living room categories with their molded plywood designs. In 1946 Eames furniture was put into production by Evans Products, later taken over by Herman Miller Inc who continue to manufacture their designs in the united states, whilst Vitra International manufactures their furniture in Europe. Together the pair were pioneers of midcentury modern design, using new technologies to develop unique designs that highlight the power and beauty in everyday objects. Eames most recognisable homeware design is the iconic Eames Lounge Chair 1956.
Image: The label underneath an original Eames Lounge Chair produced by Vitra