Portrait of Charles and Ray Eames

Charles and Ray Eames are a couple of iconic designers of the 20th century. Very ahead of their time, they contributed to the democratization of designer furniture for the general public, in particular thanks to the invention of new industrial manufacturing techniques allowing mass production.

We owe them many emblematic design pieces from the 1950s and 1960s combining comfort and ergonomics: the famous Lounge Chair, the DCW chair (Dining Chair Wood) or the armchair RAR (Rocking Armchair Rodbase).

The history of the Eames Lounge Chair

The Eames Lounge Chair is sumptuous and luxurious. It became an icon from its creation. This true masterpiece is made of foam, folded plywood and real leather.

Launched in 1956 and with increasing popularity in the United States, it is one of the most famous chairs of the couple Charles and Ray Eames. He is the true superstar of 20th century American furniture.

How did Charles and Ray Eames design the Lounge Chair?

 

It seems that Charles and Ray Eames started working on the prototype of the Lounge Chair with materials like fiberglass or metal. But ultimately they returned to bent plywood for greater comfort and ergonomics. The Eameses continually sought to understand the simplest and honest way to use modern materials. But it is also the optimism of the American 20th century that radiates through this chair.

Charles and Ray Eames worked tirelessly on the design of the Lounge Chair. Never satisfied, until they get every detail right.

The choice of materials had to be perfect, the trimmings inside the pads, the quality of the leather, the fact that it is padded leather so that the leather is curved and already prepared to conform to the body...

The manufacturing process of the Eames Lounge Chair

 

The manufacturing process hasn't changed much in 50 years.
The Lounge Chair and the ottoman (the footrest) are still made mainly by hand.

Manufacturing begins with the choice of high-end leathers. It is arranged and examined to correct all the tiniest imperfections. “Defects” (insect scars, all types of defects) are marked with a red band which is then measured by a computer scanner.
The scanner then measures the best way to cut the skin. Patterns can be automatically nested or placed avoiding all defects indicated by the red bands. The same machine also cuts the leather creating all the pattern pieces.

For the cushions, there is no automation here, it's all about craftsmanship. The craftsmen sew meticulously and start by sewing the arms of the chair, then the cushions are fitted by upholsterers.
The foam buttons are hand sewn using strong thread. Each cushion is padded with a button that "pre-pleats" the material and softens it.

The Eames Lounge Chair today

Even today, the Eames Lounge Chair is a true icon. The Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames was a remarkable bestseller and still is with continued production virtually unchanged for over 50 years. Fifty-five years later, the Eames Lounge Chair still remains a contemporary object of desire.