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Prototype Eames Fiberglass Chair, circa 1949

THF134574 / Prototype Eames Fiberglass Chair, circa 1949
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Artifact Overview

Charles and Ray Eames wanted to design affordable high-quality furniture. To this end, Charles brought a mock-up of a chair to John Wills, a boat builder and fiberglass fabricator, who created two identical prototypes. Charles took one: it became the basis for what would become a modern design icon. This is the other: it lingered in Will's workshop, used over four decades as a utility stool.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Armchair

Date Made

circa 1949

Creator Notes

Created by Charles Eames and John A. Wills in Wills's Arcadia, California workshop

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Fully Furnished

Object ID

95.167.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Fiberglass
Metal

Technique

Handmade

Color

Gray (Color)
orange (color)
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 32 in
Width: 28 in
Depth: 23 in
Diameter: 14 in

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