To mark the 80th anniversary of the Eames design office, Tokyo’s Isetan The Space gallery is hosting an exhibition (until January 5, 2022), highlighting some of the most famous designs by Charles and Ray Eames, as well as new editions and collaborations.
As we have mentioned here, the creations of Charles and Ray Eames are as iconic as they are timeless, and are, of course, distributed by Jbonet.
80 years of design: Charles and Ray Eames celebrated in a Tokyo exhibition
Featuring classic furniture, archival works, recreated architectural models, and new projects developed with brands like Herman Miller, Vitra, Ravensburger, and Reebok, the exhibition 80 years of design illustrates the studio’s prolific and highly diverse work, emphasizing the value of its designs for contemporary life.
The exhibition explores the designers’ innovative approach through three thematic areas: Art & Technology, demonstrating the experimental side of their practice; Architecture & Interiors, showcasing their innovation in interior design; and Play & Learn, an exhibit highlighting the couple’s affinity for bringing joy and wonder into their work.
Additional context for the works is provided by a 6-meter-long timeline that greets visitors at the entrance, spanning eight decades and evoking the life and collaborative work of Charles and Ray Eames (1941 – 1978), Ray’s solo work after Charles (1978 – 1988), his passing, and the subsequent development of the studio to the present day, under Eames Demetrios, director of the Eames Office (1988 – 2021).
Eames Modular House #1
Among the wonders of the exhibition is a model of a previously unseen Eames modular house. Modular House #1 was created by Charles and Ray in 1951, two years after they built their iconic home and studio as part of the Case Study House program.
Conceived as a way to take the Case Study House program to the next level, it is a simple structure whose parts could be prefabricated and assembled with relative ease. The project was not realized due to sponsorship issues, and 70 years later, the Eames Office team spent over 12 months researching original drawings, photos, and plans to recreate the 1:12 scale model.
The prefabricated Eames house is defined by an open plan topped with a curved plywood roof and furniture including custom pieces as well as designs for clients such as Herman Miller. The model offers insight into the duo’s vision for a democratic approach to architecture and interiors.
Sneakers and playing cards: special edition Eames products
Additionally, the collection includes a series of new editions for some of Eames’ iconic furniture, such as the 1946 LCW plywood chair, the 1948 La Chaise, or the 1956 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. The third part of the exhibition is dedicated to play, a central concern for the Eames Office over the decades, illustrated by designs such as the Eucalyptus Skateboard Deck, The Heames House of Cards, as well as recent designs like the puzzles developed with Ravensburger, and the “Monotone Pack” sneakers designed in collaboration with Reebok.
“The Eames Office is actively seeking both to preserve historical work and to create innovative designs and experiences that extend the Eames legacy into the future,” says Demetrios. “We are thrilled to be able to showcase iconic tradition and modernity.” He describes Charles and Ray as “voracious adventurers” and states: “Japan’s impact on [their] worldview and work was paramount and solidified through a formative partnership with Isetan dating back to 1961.”
Jbonet distributes the creations of Charles and Ray Eames. Would you like more information? Our teams are available in our showrooms in Nice and Cannes to advise you, do not hesitate to contact us.
