Ray and Charles Eames (1912–1988) were two of the most influential designers of the 20th Century.
Ray Eames.
The Eameses are best known for their iconic chairs, that transformed our idea of modern furniture. The couple worked in a life-long creative partnership, during which Ray was responsible for groundbreaking contributions to the fields of architecture, furniture and industrial design, as well as manufacturing and photography. “Anything I can do, Ray can do better,” Charles said.
Cover of April 1944 Art & Architecture magazine designed by Ray Eames.
In 1942–1948, Ray Eames designed twenty-six covers for the Los-Angeles-based periodical Arts & Architecture. The magazine wrote on contemporary art, architecture, music, and film. Ray’s cover designs are more than creative graphic expressions—they are unique works of art that reflect the times in which they were produced. In 1949, Ray Eames created several textile patterns, some of which were recognized in various competitions organized by MoMA. Two of her designs—Crosspatch and Sea Things—were produced by Schiffer Prints, a company that also produced textiles by Frank Lloyd Wright and Salvador Dali. The most complex of the molded plywood chairs created by the Eames, LaChaise, resembles a sculpture of a woman’s torso. Although it was submitted to the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design under Charles's name only, Ray had a large influence in shaping the curvaceous design.
Crosspatch textile design.
La Chaise. Photo courtesy of Vitra.
Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999), a Parisian design visionary, was renowned for her experimental approach to materials in design, which left a lasting impact with her innovative concepts.
Charlotte Perriand. Сreative Сommons license.
Charlotte Perriand had an extensive career that spanned nearly eight decades. Among her renowned works is the “LC4 Chaise Longue,” co-designed with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. This piece is a fusion of ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal, and became a symbol of modernist design.
Chaise longue designed by Charlotte Perriand © Phot by Felix Speller.
Perriand’s distinct approach to material use was a defining aspect of her work. Her fascination with Japanese craftsmanship during her visit in the 1940s led her to incorporate bamboo into her designs, as seen in creations like her bamboo bookshelves. Her contributions extended to interior design, particularly with her forward-thinking kitchen concept. Prioritizing storage, she introduced ideas that challenged conventional layouts, paving the way for the modern modular kitchens prevalent today. In postwar Europe, Perriand designed compact university dorm rooms that seamlessly blended color, form, and composition while prioritizing both aesthetics and functionality.
Kitchen. Interior equipment. Charlotte Perriand, designer, Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier, architectes © Bonney, Therese. 1925. Therese Bonney photographs, 1925-1937.
Bookshelves designed by Charlotte Perriand. Creative Commons license.
Charlotte Perriand (Française, 1903-1999): table et chaises, Grand Palais, 2008. Creative Commons license.