Design Friday: Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are most likely familiar pieces of furniture to you. They are considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century, are on display in museums, are very commonly used by designers, and I even spotted it in the background of Frasier's apartment on TV. (Look for it!)

photo from hermanmiller.com

The chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Eames* (a husband and wife team) for director Billy Wilder. It is very much a man's chair, no? They were serious designers that paid close attention to detail, and enjoyed problem solving through experimentation. They were pioneers of the molded plywood technology seen in this chair, in which they sought to create a club chair that had, "the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt." What do you think? Did they achieve their goal? Apparently, this chair is famously comfortable. I have yet to sit in one and verify that, but from appearance I think it screams for you to sit down and take a load off. It is hand assembled and has been in continuous production for the public since 1956, by Herman Miller.

* This couple was a powerhouse in design. We'll be seeing more of them in future Design Fridays.
Refrences
- http://www.hermanmiller.com/Products/Eames-Lounge-Chair-and-Ottoman
- http://www.dwr.com/product/furniture/living/eames-collection/eames-lounge-ottoman-vicenza.do?sortby=ourPicks