Eames Plywood Lounge: Impressive In Every Process

Photo Source: www.enpundit.com

It's impressive to me how that Charles and Ray Eames could work out molding processes of plywood so early on. Especially, when we consider the complexity of the designs that they had engineered. Today, those complexities are much more automated than they where back in the beginning, but the making of an Eames Lounge is no less impressive. Precision is of maximum importance. From the cut of the frame to the depth of the buttons on the upholstery, every thing is measure and precise.

So, if you've wondered how these incredible pieces of functional Mid-Century Art are made, here is your opportunity to find out. Here is also your opportunity to see why buying a Herman Miller^ Eames Lounge is a decision well worth pondering. If you are interested in buying a  Herman Miller^ made Eames Lounge, you can be assured the money will be an investment, rather than just an expense on furniture.

^I am not sponsored nor paid for my promotion of Herman Miller products over other manufactures. From seeing the process, and having had Herman Miller products, I believe in their quality.

It's Back In It's Intended Form: Iconic Eames Molded Chair.

Photo source: Gizmodo.com

I don't what to misrepresent any of this information as being of my original design. However, I am so happy to see that the Eames Molded chairs* will be going back into fabrication with fiberglass. Gizmodo.com is the hero, for me, as far as this post goes. It's because of them, that I even know about this topic.

Still, I have to say, that I am really happy. Not that I will be getting one of these any time soon. I don't know if you know..., but it's not easy finding a Herman Miller* store, or product* near me. So, for now, I just have to appreciate the craftsmanship from a distance. Knowing that, this chair in fiberglass, is a thousand times better than in a plastic form.

I've never been a big fan of the plastic. A few years ago, when I went shopping for some "modern" furniture at one of the stores in Atlanta, the sales person tried diligently to get me to buy one of the plastic molded chairs. I just couldn't do it. Granted, they are light and easy to move. Still, they just were never as comfortable to me. Growing up using laundry mats, I've sat in, who knows how many of the mass production Herman Miller, and copies, of this chair. So, I know very well, how they should fill. I sat in a ton of each style. While the style above, was fairly popular where I lived in Texas, at different stores, restaurants, and laundry mats, the short side (without armrest) model was much more popular in Georgia.

While, I understand the reasons for Herman Miller eliminating the fiberglass production in '89, I'm glad to see they've found a way to get the glass work back in the mix. Granted, anyone who's worked with fiberglass before, has to pity the workers a bit. Fiberglass work is one itchy profession, but man... that glass mesh texture in the chairs sure does give it that vintage feel. That makes it all worth while.

Once again, if you want the whole shin dig on what's going on in more detail, I tell you, check out WWW.GIZMODO.COM

 Also, check out the search results on Flickr for the search term "Eames Molded chair". It's pretty inspiring. Also, below you'll see Ebay search results for Eames Fiberglass Chair*.

Practical Sculptures Pt 2

If you look around many of the "REALLY NICE" Mid-Century homes*, you will almost surely find a very practical and functional Mid-Century/retro modern sculpture* hiding in plain sight. It may come in various forms: wrought iron, brass, copper, wood, ceramic, or plaster. They come in neutral tones, painted bright colors, or tarnished. They're very handy to have around in winter storms, on lazy evenings, when the window is open and there's a bunch of papers on your desk, or... just when you want to look at a really nice piece of art that was created many years ago. What am I referring too?

Photo Source

While the description above could refer to any number of things that you have have found in a retro modern home of the mid-century era. I'm revering to the oddly antique, but still functional, candle (stick) holder.

Having seen many candle (stick) holders* in my day, I have seen some very beautiful and quite inspiring ones. Then again, I've seen some not so inspiring ones. However, the mid-century candle (stick) holders/bases*, have almost always been a genre of incredible art to me. Being so simple (in most cases) in form helps them lend so well to the Mid-century modern style. It's true that not every candle (stick) holder* from the mid-century/retro times are awesome, but I'd say, most are.

One really good reason for looking into adding these to your entourage of art/sculptures, is that they are very handy to have around in the case of a power outage. Plus, for many, they are great accents to have when you want to have a quite dinner of romantic evening.

Photo Source

Another really good reason to have candle (stick) holders* is, they add a functional piece to your art collection that, many times, fills that thinly vertical space that I often find exist. It's amazing what that thin, tall sculpture can add to your ambient when placed in the right location.

Who though, are the manufacturers of these useful pieces of art?
Honestly, the designer names are all over the board. There are holders from the likes of Jens Quistgaard*, Tiffinay's, Murano Glass, Carl Malmsten, Witco* and you may even see a few from Herman Miller, Knoll* and other mass production designers and manufactures of the time. As far as Herman Miller and Knoll* goes, it's kinda hard to find out if they really have produced many of the candle holders. Unfortunately, Herman Miller and Knoll* are terms that are SO FREQUENTLY applied to products of other manufactures, that it's hard to be sure which candle holders are really produced by these 2 big designer/manufactures and which ones are just labeled as such to draw business.

Photo Source

In any case, there are no shortage of candle holders* out there for sale. The styling options are varied and plentiful. This is great, because you have such a wide option range. You have everything from brutalist* to danish modern* back to faux french provincial*. Good thing for us, is that almost all these styles work well with mid-century/retro modern design.


Still, no matter what your preference, you can find something that fits your style. To help a bit in your deciding, I'll leave you with this handy tool.

Please note that all links with an (*) beside them are affiliate related links. These links, as well as the products apps, such as the one at the bottom of this post (Ebay.com) are directly related to my affiliate programs and help provide the needed income to keep Amidst Mod going. Thank you!


 

Knoll Furniture

Photo property of 2modern.com

While Knoll* is known for their furniture and influence on modern design, it seems that there is a lot more talk about Herman Miller. From what I've seen, it seems that Herman Miller has simply kept itself in the forefront by placement in the market place, progressive design, and keeping a tighter hold on mid-century/atomic design. That being said, I'm not saying Herman Miller doesn't deserve it. They do! They really are a high quality forward thinking company that has seemingly stayed true to their roots and philosophies. The respect they have is well warranted.

Photo source:
http://www.aisleone.net/2010/design/mid-century-knoll-ads/

While I've been trying to find out why there is...seemingly, more talk about Herman Miller than Knoll*, I ran across a number of articles and videos that helped me appreciate Knoll* more than I originally did. Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with a ton of links to other articles. However, I would like to share a video that I found on youtube of a Knoll* event about Eero Saarinen and some of his design.  Reality being, if you understand the history of a company or design, you can appreciate it just a bit better.

This video helped realized that Knoll*, while their logo is less cool than the 50's and 60's, is still a company that has had a huge part in the Mid-Century Modern genre. Don't get me wrong. I've studied MCM design* long enough to know who where the big players. Still, if you don't here much about a company for a long time, then you tend to forget about them a bit more.

Frequently people talk online about furniture and designs by famous designers and the influence their design had on the world. Yet, a lot of times, very little mention is made of the companies that made these designers concepts become reality. While the designing is a pain staking process that demands respect for completion, equal respect is due to the companies that back and promote the products so that they sell.

So, here's the video, enjoy.