Be4U - Furniture Design History - Mid-Century Modern

Charles Ormond Eames, Jr, 1907-78 and

Ray-Bernice Alexandra Kaiser Eames, 1912-1988

Charles Eames and Ray Eames

were American designers. They

were worked and major 

contributions in many field of

design including industrial 

design, furniture design, fine

art, graphic design, 

filming and architecture as well.

In year 1941, they were getting married.

Mid-Century Modern pop out after the World War II and Art Deco

Movement. The design in Mid-Century Modern were more to organic

shapes. A lots of the bending manufacture was started in the term.

Therefore, Charles and Ray Eames were come out few of the excellent

furniture design during the movement. Such as Lounge Chair was the 

design classic of the twentieth century and this is a good example.

- Charles Eames and Ray Eames, Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1957

They used to be using the plywood was rosewood to produce this

chair. Unfortunately, rosewood was stopped in used in 1990 and 

switched it to walnut and cherry which would increase the elegancy

of rosewood. Besides that, during 1962 year and before, they

were purchased the seat cushion with fabric, leather and 

naugahyde. After that, leather would be the chosen for making

the cushion.

Obviously, there were 3 parts of curved plywo

od to construct. Between the head part and body part were

connected by cast aluminium bars. There have few features

for this chair were it could turn 360 degree and rock it on base.

According to book, one person could be able to assemble with

a screwdriver. Undoubtedly, Charles and Ray Eames won the

gold medal at XII Milan Triennale, 1960.

Some other masterpieces :

- DKR-2 Chair, 1951

- Pair of Lounge Chair, 1946

- Coffee Table, 1946

Verner Panton, 1926-1998

Verner Panton who was a furniture

and interior designer. He was born

at February 13, 1926 and death at

September 5, 1998. He was

considered one of the most

Denmark's most influential

20th - Century. He was created

innovative and futuristic designs

by using variety materials. Most

the materials will he used was

plastic.

In year 1960, he was the first designer who design a plastic with

very first single-form injection moulding. The stacking chair or

as known as S chair, make he become famous.

- Verner Panton, Panton Chair, 1960

Panton chair can also be one of the successful design. Because

it is easy to produce, simple yet perfect.

Some other masterpieces :

- Cone Chairs, 1958

Article Resource :

- C 20th Furniture, edited by Fiona Baker and Keith Baker,

  published by Calton Book Limited 2003

- Bent Wood and Metal Furniture : 1850 - 1946, edited by

  Derek E. Ostergard, published by

  The American Federation of Arts

- Furniture, edited by Penny Sparke, published by

  Bell & Hyman Limited

- The Design Encyclopedia, edited by Mel Byars,

  published by The Museum of Modern Art