Date: Fri 09-Jul-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: SARAH

Quick Words:

Eames-Cooper-Hewitt

Full Text:

The Work of Charles and Ray Eames

NEW YORK CITY -- Charles and Ray Eames, who are among the designers most

responsible for modernizing postwar America, are subjects of a major

international retrospective opening October 12 at Cooper-Hewitt National

Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution, 2 East 91st Street. "The Work of

Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention" features more than 500 artifacts

-- furniture, drawings, models, photographs, slides, films, videos, toys,

one-of-a-kind prototypes and experimental pieces -- all exemplifying this

husband-and-wife team's altruistic and ambitious goal of improving society

through design. It will remain on view through January 9.

At a critical moment in American history, Charles (1907-1978) and Ray

(1912-1988) Eames responded to emerging postwar consumer needs and demands

with experimentation and an aesthetic approach that was a uniquely American

interpretation of European modernism. The Eameses broadened the scope of that

tradition by incorporating the design traditions of diverse cultures and

bringing renewed attention to the vernacular of the everyday. They infused

their work for both corporate and private clients with a new and strong sense

of play, a fresh, open informality and a recognition of the needs of a diverse

American population. Everything they created was imbued with the democratic

ideals of accessibility and affordability.

Highlights include:

Experimental chair shells leading to the epochal 1946 molded plywood chair.

A model of their "Case Study House."

A full-scale working replica of the rotating drum used to test plywood chairs.

Sculpture by Ray Eames.

The original mold used by Herman Miller, Inc to make their signature

fiberglass chairs.

An experimental wire sofa, on display for the first time ever.

The film, The Powers of Ten , reconstructed especially for the exhibition, as

well as other examples of their approach to presenting complex science to

various audiences.

Christmas cards, bulletin board ephemera, slides, dolls, toys and other

personal collections and professional artifacts that provide insight into the

private lives and careers of the two designers.

The Eameses participated in unique collaborations with some of America's

largest businesses during a decisive moment in international corporate

relations. Following World War II, giants of industry such as IBM, Polaroid,

Westinghouse, Herman Miller, Inc, CBS, Boeing and Time, Inc, sought to promote

high technology and communications worldwide through design. The Eameses

contributed directly to the rise of what we now know as "multi-nationalism"

and "globalization."

The Eameses created the first "user-friendly" presentations for then

unheard-of inventions, such as instant photography and data processing -- the

daunting "electronic brain" or computer. Their films, videos and spectacular

slide shows not only explained such products, but also made these and other

new technologies approachable, accessible and attractive to people around the

world.

Each of the five sections focuses on critical challenges the Eameses posed for

themselves and resolved for their clients through enormously varied projects.

These are:

How to produce affordable yet high-quality furniture.

How to build economical yet well-designed space for living and working.

How to help people see beauty in the everyday.

How to help Americans and other cultures understand each other.

How to make science more accessible.

A series of walking tours, gallery talks and other public programs will be

offered in association with the exhibit. Reservations must be made in advance

for all programs, and space is often limited. For information and

registration, 212/849-8380.

The museum is open Tuesday, 10 am to 9 pm; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am

to 5 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm.