Stuff You Should Know Ray and Charles Eames: More than Chairs
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Feb 20, 2024 Dive into the whimsical world of Charles and Ray Eames, where creativity reigns supreme! Discover how this dynamic duo crafted not just iconic furniture but also innovative designs for a post-war America. Their journey includes a fascinating shift to wartime innovations, like a functional wooden leg splint. Explore the charming tales behind their legendary chairs and the impact of their multimedia projects. With personal struggles woven throughout, their legacy continues to inspire design and community in profound ways.
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Charles Eames' Architectural Journey
- Charles Eames studied architecture but was expelled for his modernist views, conflicting with the traditional Beaux-Arts style.
- Despite lacking formal credentials, he practiced architecture and later directed Cranbrook's industrial design program.
Plywood Innovations
- At Cranbrook, Charles and Ray explored plywood, a material they became known for.
- They won a MoMA competition with a plywood chair, despite it splintering where the back met the seat.
Early Struggles and Innovation
- The Eames, struggling financially, converted their apartment into a studio and worked with plywood.
- Charles even tapped into an electrical pole to power their plywood-molding "Kazam" machine.