Eames Shell Chairs
The Eames single-shell chair family, from the 1950 fiberglass chair to recycled-plastic shells.
Not published by the manufacturer: The Eames Shell Chairs page is the family overview: it prints no dimensions, drawing or product sheet (pro-resources lists only the care sheet and the price book, which has separate entries per member).
1950
Description
Overview
The Eames Shell Chairs are Herman Miller's family of single-shell chairs by Charles and Ray Eames, introduced in 1950 and offered in fiberglass, plastic and wood shells on many bases.
Construction
One-piece biomorphic shells in two shapes, with a choice of bases, upholstery and seat pads. The newest plastic shells contain 100 percent post-industrial recycled plastic, and fiberglass and wood shells are offered as well.
Specifications
The family page gives no dimensions; each member product has its own.
Story
From plywood to fiberglass
The design-story section dates the idea of a lightweight one-piece chair shell to 1939, when Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen experimented with plywood shells at Cranbrook Academy.
A steel shell that came second
In 1948 Charles entered a stamped steel shell chair in the Museum of Modern Art's low-cost furniture competition and took second place; the Eameses then turned to a fiberglass prototype made by a boat builder.
More from Herman Miller
Eames Storage Unit ESU Shelf
Eames shelf of 1949 with coloured aluminium panels, from low sideboard to tall bookshelf
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
The Eameses' updated English club chair of 1956, with swivel base and matching Ottoman
Eames Plastic Side Chair DSW
The Eames side shell on a four-legged wooden base, now in recycled plastic
La Chaise
Eames lounge chair of 1948 with a white polyester resin shell on a chrome and oak base.