Object
Molded and stained walnut
66,30 x 55,20 x 58,50 cm
, 1946
RKM 88-1985
Purchase
Currently not on display
Description
Charles and Ray Eames are considered one of the most influential figures in American modern design in the 20th century. This chair is model "LCM", an abbreviation of "Lounge Chair Metal" in which metal refers to the chromed tubular steel legs. The same design is also available with wooden legs, then refered to as "LCW", short for "Lounge Chair Wood". See RKM 159-2005.
When the 'Lounge Chair Wood' first appeared in 1946, the chair was the result of many years of experimentation by the Eames design duo. Their challenge had been to mould plywood to the contours of the body in order to create a fluid design as well as a comfortable seating position. During World War II, Charles and Ray Eames had spent time working with plywood for the American war industry. That knowledge was brought to the furniture industry where plywood, which consists of several thin glued layers of wood, offered a new, strong and inexpensive material. They became pioneers in creating three-dimensional pieces using plywood that were moulded in soft lines.
Literature
A century of chair design, red. Frank Russell, Academy Editions, London 1980, p. 152