Favorite Eames Artifacts
13 artifacts in this set
This expert set is brought to you by:
The staff at The Henry Ford
Kiosk From IBM Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair
Kiosk
The panel underneath the Eames-designed IBM kiosk is a favorite, with its multi-layered, hidden histories of technical art processes. Flowers from Michigan were shipped to California, photographed, & translated into a line engraving for Herman Miller’s stock certificates. In 1964, the bouquet image was revisited when it was hand-painted in full color, underneath the kiosk. --Kristen Gallerneaux, Curator of Communication & Information Tech
"Chairs by Charles Eames," 1951-1965
Postcard
The vibrant, colorblocked layout of this postcard is as timeless as the Eames chairs themselves, and still makes the product look fun and inviting half a century later. The Eameses’ attention to detail and their unique design personality is evident in each vignette, with the use of patterns, plants, and props to create a whole scene. --Emily Kirk, Concept Designer
Bench From IBM Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair
Bench (Furniture)
I absolutely love this bench. Its tuck-and-roll Naugahyde wouldn’t look out of place in the back seat of a ’64 sedan. That, in turn, reminds me of the neighboring World’s Fair attractions from GM and Ford: an updated version of Norman Bel Geddes’s “Futurama” and the Walt Disney-designed “Magic Skyway,” respectively. --Matt Anderson, Curator of Transportation
Herman Miller Sales Brochure, "Eames Tandem Seating," 1965
Brochure
While filming a segment of The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, our chief curator remarked that Eames designs are so “elegantly commonplace,” we sometimes don’t notice them. One great example is the tandem seating commonly used in airports and other public spaces. Now, I’m always looking out for it! --Saige Jedele, Associate Curator, Digital Content
Eames Molded Dining Chair, circa 1950
Chair (Furniture form)
Until last year, a set of the Eames’ dining chairs supported more than just bodies around the dining table of my grandparents. Three generations came together to eat, play games, catch-up, make new friends, and build memories while sitting together. The chairs have since moved to a new home but will continue to foster relationships, as well as being icons of design. --Wing Fong, Experience Design Project Manager
Geometry Information Sign from Mathematica: A World of Numbers and Beyond Exhibition, 1960-1961
Information sign
I have been influenced by the Eameses’ appreciation for process and their “learn by doing” philosophy. Their example as both artists and problem solvers is one that I’ve attempted to adopt in my own design career. Known best for their movement defining Modern furniture and architectural designs, they have also had a profound impact on visual communications and graphic design. --Kevin M. Patten, Experience Design Senior Design Leader
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Introduced in 1956
Armchair
When the Eames Lounge Chair was produced, there was nothing like it. It’s still one of the most sought out pieces of modern furniture almost 65 years after it began production. Everyone wants to sit in this chair. To learn history from this chair. I personally would like to have a nice nap in this chair. --Hannah Glodich, Graphic Designer
Herman Miller Advertisement, 1960-1961, "The Graceful, Moving, Gypsum Desert is Not for Sale. But the Eames Chair Is."
Advertisement
The gypsum crystal dunes in New Mexico’s Chihuahua Desert received protection in 1933 as White Sands National Monument. This reduced threats from acquisitive glass manufacturers and from missile tests launched from White Sands Proving Ground after 1945. The sands survived to inspire the palette and texture for the Eames Chair, as this advertisement conveys. --Debra A. Reid, Curator of Agriculture & the Environment
Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint, circa 1943
Splint (Surgery)
Asked to choose between beauty or function, Charles Eames responded “I should make a choice between keeping my head or my heart?” The Eames Leg Splint is a functional device and yet, it became sculptural in Charles and Ray’s hands. Designed early in their career together, it serves as an apt beginning to a career marked by solving functional problems beautifully. --Katherine White, Associate Curator
"Chairs Designed by Charles Eames Executed by Herman Miller," 1954
Postcard
Having roots as a designer, I am instinctively drawn to the Eames’ work. It is purposeful, unique, and beautiful. As a mid-century modern collector, it’s a no-brainer to add their work to my home. It’s art you can use and enjoy every day. What’s better than that? --Matt Elliott, Manager, Digital Experience & Innovation
Quotation Sign from Mathematica: A World of Numbers and Beyond Exhibition, 1960-1961
Information sign
It may seem strange to pick a simple, unadorned sign, when the Eameses are so known for their visual and spatial work, but I love the fact that they included so many thought-provoking quotations in their Mathematica exhibit. This particular sentence from Isaac Newton speaks to all those who never stop learning. --Ellice Engdahl, Manager, Digital Collections & Content
Molded Plywood Folding Screen, 1946-1956
Folding screen
Wood: it never really goes out of style. But when the Eameses came along in the 1940s, they took a new approach and showed that this universal material could be molded into a mesmerizing fluidity. Today, the hypnotism of their sculptural folding screens remains, demonstrating a synergy between form and function birthed from good design. --Ryan Jelso, Associate Curator, Digital Content
Herman Miller Advertisement, circa 1961, "In 2061 One of These Chairs Will Still Be Famous. Which?"
Advertisement
I love our collection of Herman Miller trade catalogs showcasing the works of Charles and Ray. I enjoy going through The Henry Ford's assortment of advertisements, dealer brochures, and guides while I think of what a fellow Eames admirer like myself might have been hoping to purchase more than a half a century ago. --Lish Dorset, Social Media Manager