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This 1956 NBC Segment Dramatically Debuts Eames's Iconic Lounge Chair
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 18, 2014
Modified Aug 18, 2014
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 18, 2014
Modified Aug 18, 2014
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So dramatic!
In 1941, Charles Eames was introduced to the world through an exhibit at MoMA, and by the 1950s he was a household name and his chairs a household fixture. In 1956, Eames (along with his wife Ray) went on NBC's Home show to introduce his latest contribution to the furniture world: the now iconic Eames lounge chair. As host Arlene Francis declares during the nearly 12-minute segment, "Well, that is quite a departure, Charles! And it looks wonderfully comfortable."
When the chair came out, the NY Times even dedicated some ink to it, noting, "Such a simple fact is news because nearly one million Eames chairs are currently in use in American homes."
Since the chair was introduced, it has been in continuous production by Herman Miller—today they cost around $4,500. [via Open Culture]
Tagged
charles eames
eames
furniture
home show
lounge chair
ray eames
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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