Introduction to the Films of Charles and Ray Eames

Summary

Charles and Ray Eames were pioneering designers of the 20th century, renowned for their groundbreaking work in molded plywood furniture and contributions to modern architecture. Their innovative designs, including the LCM chair and the E lounge chair, have had a lasting impact. Beyond furniture, they created films, exhibitions, toys, and wrote books, leaving a diverse legacy. Their iconic home, part of the Arts and Architecture Case Study program, became a hub for their work. The Eames’ films, produced throughout their careers, remain an integral part of their creative expression and documentation of their influential work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Charles and Ray Eames are regarded as two of the most important designers of the 20th century.
• 😀 They pioneered the design and mass production of molded plywood furniture with compound curves.
• 😀 Their work was noticed during World War II, where they designed molded plywood splints, stretchers, and airplane parts for the military.
• 😀 Some of their iconic furniture designs include the 1946 LCM molded plywood chair, the 1956 E lounge chair and ottoman, and the 1968 Shez.
• 😀 In 1949, they built the Eames House as part of the Arts and Architecture Magazine Case Study program, which became a model of modern residential architecture.
• 😀 The Eames Office, located at 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice, California, was the headquarters for their design and creative work from 1943 to 1988.
• 😀 Charles and Ray Eames were not only designers but also filmmakers, creating over 100 short films on various subjects like toy trains, physics, and history.
• 😀 Their films served as an essential tool for communicating their ideas, teaching, and documenting their design process.
• 😀 Charles Eames was also known for his exceptional eye for photography, which influenced the visual aspects of their work.
• 😀 Their legacy includes contributions to various fields, including exhibition design, book publishing, and educational outreach, along with a lasting influence on modern design.

Q & A

Who were Charles and Ray Eames, and why are they considered important in the 20th century?

Charles and Ray Eames were renowned designers known for their pioneering work in molded plywood furniture. They are regarded as two of the most important designers of the 20th century for their innovative contributions to design, architecture, furniture, and filmmaking.

What notable design achievement did Charles and Ray Eames accomplish during World War II?

During World War II, Charles and Ray Eames were commissioned by the military to design molded plywood splints, stretchers, and airplane parts, showcasing their ability to mass-produce complex molded plywood products.

Which of the Eames' furniture designs were selected for this film screening?

The four selected furniture designs featured in the film are the LCM molded plywood chair (1946), the molded plywood screen (1946), the E lounge chair and ottoman (1956), and the Shez (1968).

What was significant about the Eames' home, known as the 'E house'?

The 'E house' was built by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949 as part of the Arts and Architecture magazine's Case Study Program. It is considered a classic example of modern residential architecture and served as the location for the Eames Foundation.

Where was the Eames office located, and what was its purpose?

The Eames office was located at a warehouse at 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice, California, from 1943 to 1988. Here, Charles and Ray Eames worked on a variety of projects, including furniture design, museum exhibitions, book writing, and filmmaking.

What types of works did Charles and Ray Eames produce beyond furniture design?

In addition to furniture design, Charles and Ray Eames created books, museum exhibitions, films, toys, and various other innovative design projects.

What role did filmmaking play in the Eames' work?

Filmmaking was a key component of Charles and Ray Eames' work. They created over a hundred short films on various topics, using film as a tool for communication, teaching, and celebrating their work and ideas.

What was the subject matter of some of the Eames' films?

The Eames made films on a wide range of topics, from toy trains and sea creatures to the laws of physics, the world of Franklin and Jefferson, and exhibitions like Mathematica and the Computer Perspective.

What happened to the Eames office and their work after Charles and Ray passed away?

After Charles Eames' death in 1978 and Ray's passing in 1988, the Eames office was closed, and Ray worked on cataloging their films and stills for the Library of Congress before her death.

What was one of the Eames' most famous exhibitions, and what did it showcase?

One of the Eames' most famous exhibitions was 'Mathematica: A World of Numbers and Beyond,' which was presented in 1961. The exhibition, created for the IBM Pavilion at the New York World's Fair, showcased the fascinating intersection of mathematics and human creativity.