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Charles Eames LCW Mid-Century Lounge Chair in Maple for Herman Miller, designed in 1946

Excellent pre-1957 example of Charles Eames' LCW chair, given the rich wood patina, construction configuration and provenance of this chair. This piece is in maple and was manufactured by Herman Miller. It is structurally sound and its shock mounts are flexible and in good condition. From the first of the plywood series, the abbreviated Eames LCW Chair was the Lounge Height (L) Side Chair (C) on Wood (W) Base. Designed by Charles Eames and first manufactured by the Evans Molded Plywood Division, the chair has long gained classic status. The techniques used to make these unique chairs had been developed during the war years and was evident in the Eames Splint, made for and utilized by the US Navy. The Eames LCW Plywood Chair is constructed of five layers of plywood, glued and heated using a specialist machine, in order to bend the wood into the form of the design. By 1946, four plywood adult chairs had been developed for market release as well as the child's nested chair. The Eames LCW Side Chair had a dining height sister chair (DCW) and the two were replicated with metal bases in the DCM and LCM. The group as a whole would soon become known as the ‘Eames Chairs’ and was marketed as such through the early 50’s. The LCW was a wonderful fusion of five separate molded plywood forms. The support was made up of two curved legs of different sizes and a formed spine. The back rest and seat were then fixed to the support via rubber shock mounts kept largely from view. The result was a chair of visual beauty and something of a revelation for the post war period. The LCW was first developed between Charles Eames and the Evans Molded Plywood Division. Herman Miller was drafted in to distribute the furniture in 1947 and later went on to buy the rights and operation to the whole catalog in 1949, a start of an amazing design partnership. The LCW was available in varying wood veneers and colors. The very basic upholstery of the early versions would soon be updated by Herman Miller’s involvement, especially with the designs of Alexander Girard. As the 1950’s moved on and new designs and materials became fashionable, the demand for plywood furniture slowed. Herman Miller kept the DCM and LCM on the books but sadly the LCW was discontinued in 1957 but re-commissioned in 1994 and remains available today. The LCW (Lounge Height (L) Side Chair (C) on Wood (W)) bears witness to the ultimate success of Charles and Ray Eames' early experiments with moulding plywood into complex shapes. Made of molded wood, the appearance of this iconic chair remains as contemporary today as when it was first conceived. As a fine example of modernist furniture, this chair is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY.

Manufacturer: Evans or Herman Miller
Designer: Charles Eames
Dimensions (SH = Seat Height, where applicable): 21 3/4"W x 24 3/4"D x 26 1/2"H x 15 3/4"SH
Materials: Maple
Country of Origin: United States
Price: $2150

Email Us about this Piece. Item #741


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