Eames

by Gloria Koenig

The creative duo Charles Eames (1907–1978) and Ray Kaiser Eames (1912–1988) transformed the visual character of America. Though best known for their furniture, the husband and wife team were also forerunners in architecture, textile design, photography, and film.The Eameses’ work defined a new, multifunctional modernity, exemplary for its integration of craft and design, as well as for the use of modern materials, notably plywood and plastics. The Eames Lounge Chair Wood, designed with molded plywood technology, became a defining furniture piece of the 20th century, while the couple’s contribution to the Case Study Houses project not only made inventive use of industrial materials but also developed an adaptable floor plan of multipurpose spaces which would become a hallmark of postwar modern architecture.From the couple’s earliest furniture experiments to their seminal short film Powers of Ten, this book covers all the aspects of the illustrious Eames repertoire and its revolutionary impact on middle-class American living.

Genres: Design, Art, Architecture, Nonfiction, Biography, Interior Design, Coffee Table Books

96 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2015

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you only know of Charles & Ray Eames from their iconic lounge chair, this book provides a good primer on their backgrounds and contributions to not only furniture but also house design, exhibitions, corporate projects, and films.
The Eames Lounge Chair : An Icon of Modern Design by Eidelberg/Kirkham/Hine provides a much deeper dive into the title subject.

[Aabha Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are such an inspirational couple. Can see their zest for design in everything they touched. Love their philosophy of “serious fun”

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable primer of the American design duo Ray and Charles Eames who almost single-handedly defined Mid-Century Modern. Well produced on high quality paper, however some of the drawing illustrations were too small to see pertinent details, as if this were set for a larger format then shrunk down.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit dry but interesting stuff

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you NOT enjoy reading and seeing the work of these two brilliant designers?

[TJ Lippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good reminder to acknowledge all the wisdom gained by your predecessors, to be willing to experiment with what you know, and that creativity has momentum.

I sought out to read this book to just learn the history of their careers, but I ended up getting getting a refreshing take on the winding journey that life took them on in their self-directed work in addition to their commissioned work. Inspiring and definitely worth a read for the design history buff.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lives of a designer couple are reviewed.

I found some parts of this book interesting.

Reading time around one hour.

[Mitch Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

quarantine read #3

[f · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Some nice designs

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm disappointed to have found some incorrect statements in this overview of the Eames couple. Shame on you, Taschen.
Otherwise, I thought this book relied too much on the writings of Eames Demetrios.
Despite all that, love Charles & Ray.