Image source: Herman Miller — Wilkes Modular Sofa Group
© Herman Miller and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Wilkes Modular Sofa Group
Ray Wilkes's postmodern modular sofa of rounded-edge foam cushions, introduced in 1976.
1543 × 705 × 781 mm
1976
Approx. $3,400 (reference price; varies by region and retailer)
Official product information
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Description
Overview
The Wilkes Modular Sofa Group is playful lounge seating by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller, first introduced in 1976 and updated with power and material options. It runs from a single chair to a six-seat sofa, with optional tables.
Construction
Upholstered molded-foam seats, backs and arms are attached to a steel beam, with the seat and back set at 105 degrees.
Specifications
The 2-seat sofa is 60.75 in wide, 30.75 in deep and 27.75 in high.
Story
A product of the foam injection machine
Herman Miller's design story says Ray Wilkes found a new foam injection machine at the plant that made the clean lines and smooth, contoured shapes he had envisioned, with cushions that came out square with rounded edges like Chiclet gum.
Image source: Herman Miller — Wilkes Modular Sofa Group · © Herman Miller and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy
Simplicity as a philosophy
Wilkes says he likes total simplicity and calls it the philosophy of his life. The page presents the modular seating as minimalist in spirit if not in shape, its iconic form made possible by the technology that makes it.