Ray and Charles Eames (1912–1988) were two of the most influential designers of the 20th Century.
Ray and Charles Eames (1912–1988) were two of the most influential designers of the 20th Century.
Ray Eames.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crosspatch textile design.
La Chaise. Photo courtesy of Vitra.