Herman Miller and Evans Products' introduction of the Eames Molded Plywood chairs was slated for the summer of 1947. Leading up to production, with time to spare, Evans Products began designing radio cabinet closures in 1946, both to show off their new developments in the use of plywood and to use up spare materials. From these radio cabinet designs also came limited production runs of small items such as trays, wastebaskets and pipe holders. The curved portion containing the holes of the present lot originates from pieces left over from the production of the radio cabinets, as pictured below.
The radios from this era are exceedingly rare, as the materials proved to not hold up over time and the items made from castoff production materials are similarly hard to come by. The present lot offers a unique insight into the early explorations of molded plywood and the production of Eames designs, both of which would soon completely transform modern furniture design.
The vast influence of Charles and Ray Eames is immeasurable; Responding to the burgeoning attitudes and landscapes of mid-century America, they created an utterly unique and novel design world, born from their curiosity, industriousness, optimism and humanistic impulses.
In 1940, the Charles and Ray met at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where Charles was collaborating with Eero Saarinen on furniture designs and Ray was studying painting. The two married in 1941 and moved to Los Angeles soon after, establishing their highly influential design firm that, with the help of other talented designers they brought in, would re-shape modern design. Early explorations in plywood and mass-producing sturdy, livable and charming furniture brought them success and allowed them to extend their efforts into more diverse fields such as education, textiles, filmmaking, curating, architecture and industrial design.
The Eames Office operated for over four decades, exerting an enormous influence on modern and contemporary design through their limitless vision of the human spirit. Charles passed away in 1978 and Ray died ten years later to the day. Their contribution to the American ethos continues to inspire and influence contemporary design today.
Upcoming Lots Charles and Ray Eames
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