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the 670 Eames Lounge Chair
What is often called simply “the Eames Chair,” The 670 was originally produced as a gift for filmmaker Billy Wilder in 1956 as a lush, modern interpretation of an English club chair. The designers wanted it to have the “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt,” and it has been in continuous production by Herman Miller since 1957.
DESIGNER | Charles and Ray Eames, 1956
the 670 Eames Lounge Chair
H: 32″
W: 32.75″
D: 32.75″
What is often called simply “the Eames Chair,” The 670 was originally produced as a gift for filmmaker Billy Wilder in 1956 as a lush, modern interpretation of an English club chair. The designers wanted it to have the “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt,” and it has been in continuous production by Herman Miller since 1957.
The chair consists of three shells of several layers of molded plywood for the headrest, backrest. The seat is upholstered in soft leather over plush cushioning. Expensive even at $637 retail when it was introduced, it remains a much-desired piece. Frequently seen in movies and television shows, a great many people think of it as the “Frasier” chair – testament to its showcase on the set design of that popular television show and enduring style.
Charles & Ray Eames
Charles Eames (1907-1978), born in St. Louis, and his wife Ray Kaiser Eames (1912-1988), born in Sacramento, left a great American legacy in a number of areas, including architecture, furniture and product design, groundbreaking films, along with an exhaustive list of awards and honors.
Charles’ background in architecture and drafting, and Ray’s in abstract art, eventually led them both to Cranbrook Academy in Michigan, where they met each other, as well as architect and designer Eero Saarinen. The three began collaborating and soon were known for their organic style.
In 1941 the Eameses relocated to Los Angeles where Charles worked for a time in the movie industry and Ray created cover designs for the influential journal, “California Arts and Architecture.”
After World War II, the Eameses received a contract from the U.S. Navy to develop lightweight, mass-produced leg splints for injured servicemen, as well as aircraft components.
the 670 Eames Lounge Chair | c.1956
Manufacturer
Original: Herman Miller | USA
Current: Herman Miller | USA
Build
Dimensions: 32.75″W x 32.75″D x 32″H
Material: moulded plywood with leather cushions, aluminum base