POST-WAR MODERNISM: La Chaise by Eames
History
La Chaise is a lounge chair that Charles and Ray Eames designed in 1948 for The Museum of Modern Art’s “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design” in New York.
Designed by
Charles and Ray Eames. Charles Ormond Eames, Jr (1907–1978) and Bernice Alexandra “Ray” (née Kaiser) Eames (1912–1988) were two prominent American designers and graphic artists of modernism. The ‘Floating Figure’ sculpture by Gaston Lachaise was the inspiration for La Chaise.
Dimensions
Width 150 cm, height 87 cm.
Materials
Two bonded fibreglass shells, a chromed base, and natural oak feet.
Elements and Principles
Form is the element and asymmetrical balance is the governing principle of the design of La Chaise. The most unusual three-dimensional form was inspired by a sculpture of a woman. The form is presented in perfect asymmetrical balance.
Manufactured by
The La Chaise was never manufactured commercially during the lives of the Eames’. It was only in 1996 that Vitra International, a company that in the past partnered with the Eames, began producing The La Chaise commercially.
Used by Designers
La Chaise is a finest example of furniture design. When the Eames created it, it was probably a few decades ahead of its time. Since the 1990s it has been enjoying ever-growing popularity as a most sophisticated item that can furnish and decorate luxury interiors of residential spaces and more. It can add style and modern sophistication to a foyer of a luxury hotel, grand business space, a posh bar or cafe, a modern library or a finest art gallery.
Replicas, contemporary interpretations and influences
There are many replicas of La Chaise manufactured by furniture makers worldwide. They are available from, among others, Matt Blatt, Sokol, Nacassa & Partners. The main contemporary variations of La Chaise are in colours other than white: red, black, yellow, camouflage pattern.
An interesting contemporary interpretation of La Chaise is a sculpture by Marie Khouri Design.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_and_Ray_Eames
http://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/la-chaise/
http://www.vitra.com/en-au/product/la-chaise?subfam.id=37544
http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/vitra-usa/contemporary-lounge-chairs-indoor-home-charles-ray-eames-119079-1132785.html
http://www.mattblatt.com.au/ProductDetails.aspx?element=31&category=1&PKID=2080&ColourID=3#2081
http://www.sokol.com.au/products/327/eames-furniture/replica-eames-la-chaise-lounge-fiberglass/
http://www.whatwedoissecret.org/madebyblog/2009/06/camouflage-la-chaise/
http://www.architonic.com/pmsht/la-chaise-marie-khouri-design/1229526
