Toys are not really as innocent as they look. Toys and games are precursors to serious ideas.
Charles Eames
The first toy released by Eames Office in 1951 was simply, a box. Originating from the shipping carton the ESU came in, the colorful Herman Miller-branded box encouraged children to build an imaginative world through the limitless possibilities presented by a simple form. Following the box was, The Toy, produced by Tigrett Enterprises in 1951. The Toy consisted of wooden dowels and colorful fabric panels, with which one could build enclosed geometric forms—only a slight step above the simplicity of the box. Much like their furniture designs, clarity, ease and optimism characterized the Eameses early toys.
Throughout the 1950s, The Eames Office would release a slew of delightful and forward-thinking toys, premised on the integrity of construction and materials and the deep belief in humans' (and especially, children's) natural inclination toward creativity.
Take your pleasure seriously.
Charles Eames
The vast influence of Charles and Ray Eames is immeasurable; Responding to the burgeoning attitudes and landscapes of mid-century America, they created an utterly unique and novel design world, born from their curiosity, industriousness, optimism and humanistic impulses.
In 1940, the Charles and Ray met at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where Charles was collaborating with Eero Saarinen on furniture designs and Ray was studying painting. The two married in 1941 and moved to Los Angeles soon after, establishing their highly influential design firm that, with the help of other talented designers they brought in, would re-shape modern design. Early explorations in plywood and mass-producing sturdy, livable and charming furniture brought them success and allowed them to extend their efforts into more diverse fields such as education, textiles, filmmaking, curating, architecture and industrial design.
The Eames Office operated for over four decades, exerting an enormous influence on modern and contemporary design through their limitless vision of the human spirit. Charles passed away in 1978 and Ray died ten years later to the day. Their contribution to the American ethos continues to inspire and influence contemporary design today.
Auction Results Charles and Ray Eames
