Here it is the chair and ottoman of a lifetime! This iconic and sought-after mid-century modern brain child of Charles and Ray Eames was the product of years of research and development. It was first produced by Herman Miller in 1956. Even then is was considered iconic and was premiered to the public with great flourish on the NBC’s Home show while the Eames were being interviewed by Arlene Francis. It was regaled with lights and curtains and the whole nine yards! If you search online, you can find this unveiling to watch for yourself. This particular set is done in rosewood and black leather, as was the original, and was purchased in 1991. They are both in incredible condition and ready to put in place in your home.
Charles Eames was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1907. Ray Kaiser Eames was born in Sacramento, California in 1912. They met at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and were married in 1941. They moved together to California and continued their design work they began together at Cranbrook. A commission, which they acquired from the government during WWII to produce molded plywood splints and stretchers, launched a career producing iconic mid-century modern furnishings which are still fresh and sought after today. The Eames and their association with Herman Miller were the partnership of the century. If you want to learn more about Charles and Ray please visit Eames Office, the Eames Official website.
Herman Miller started life as Star furniture Co. in Zeeland, Michigan in 1905 a producer of high-quality furniture. Becoming Michigan Star Furniture Co in 1919, and then in 1923, when long time employee Dirk Jan De Pree and his father-in-law purchased 51% of the company stock, it was renamed Herman Miller Furniture Company. And remained so until the 1960s when it became Herman Miller, Inc. Until the 1930s they produced only traditional wood furniture, but the Great Depression caused a need for change and they hired modernist Gilbert Rohde who took the company in a new successful direction. Upon Rohde’s death in 1944 he was replaced by none other than the renowned George Nelson. Working with the likes of not only Charles and Ray Eames but Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Girard, and Robert Propst, to name just a few, Nelson lead Herman Miller to became one of the finest names in furniture and design.
It seems we are always searching for a great looking and comfy lounge chair. This is it. The chair of all chairs. Plus, you will own piece of mid-century modern furniture history when you make this set yours.
