The most prolific model of Charles and Ray Eames' fiberglass chairs for Herman Miller, here's a look back at some of the most amazing Eames Rockers to ever appear at auction or online.
The first photo is of an Eames rocker with a prototype base made for a 1948 MoMA competition. The pink fiberglass shell is actually of later production. The original shell was a sideshell made of stamped metal (see it here on DesignBoom).
The second rocker is an extremely rare 1st production version, with the Eames' original criss-cross strut configuration to the base. The struts were reconfigured within months of the rocker's introduction, as it was discovered that the criss-cross portion of the base would painfully pinch the sitter's achilles tendon and heels. The later reconfiguration provided proper clearance.
For some time, the rocker was given as a gift to Herman Miller employees with newborns. The third rocker shows an original brass plate, bearing the baby's name and birthday.
The last rocker is upholstered in Alexander Girard's Checkerboard fabric.
Images via Architonic, Treadway, Wright, Christies, and Modern Love.
Icon revisited : The Eames Rocker
Labels: auction, furniture, interior design, mid-century modern, modern designLook+Listen: Radiohead : Amazing Animated Video
Labels: graphic design, music
This is in Flash so wait for it to load and then when prompted, click WATCH.
By Laith Bahrani.
Via Pitoche and madewithcomputers.
Listen: What ever happened to Le Tigre?
This is actually not an official video, but was a graduation project made by Timo Wilke for his Graphic Design Diploma.
Nice work.
YSL's Dragon Chair by Eileen Gray crushes record for the most expensive work of 20th Century Design
Labels: auction, fashion, furniture, mid-century modern
Three Eileen Gray lots from Christie's Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge auction crushed the world record for the most expensive work of 20th Century Design at auction, previously held by a Carlo Mollino table, also sold by Christies. The "Dragon Chair" sold for $28.3 million, the sideboard for $5.25 million, and the "Satellite" Suspension lamp sold for $3.85 million.
What is of special note, the buyer for the Dragon Chair, was in fact the original dealer that sold YSL the chair in the 1970s.
Another notable finish was a custom made bar by Francois-Xavier Lalanne, realizing $3.56 million (originally estimated at $255,536 - $383,304).
Recession? What recession?
Via Bloomberg.
Look + Listen : Chairlift's Evident Utensil
Labels: graphic design, music
Don't worry there's nothing wrong with your monitor. The effect is called Datamoshing, which pixelates and decays the images.
Directed by Ray Tintori.
Via Pedestrian and Pitchfork.
Spaces: OWI : Apartment FH
Labels: furniture, interior design, mid-century modern, modern design, photography, spaces
A Ghent apartment featuring an impressive collection of furniture from Eames, Kjaerholm, Aalto, Nakashima, Prouve, and more. The vintage B&B Bambole sofa in worn distressed leather is perfection.
Photos Frederik Vercruysse.
Via OWI.
Sweet
Labels: graphic design, musicObjectified
Via Swiss Miss.
Irving Harper of George Nelson + Associates
Irving Harper was the creative force in the Nelson Office responsible for most of the clocks for Howard Miller, the Marshmallow sofa for Herman Miller, the Half-Nelson Lamp for Koch + Lowy, and many other 20th Century design icons. This rare interview by Matte Stephens for Design Sponge visits the Harpers at their amazing home, filled with other creative endeavors rarely seen, including some incredibly articulated paper sculptures.
Without a doubt, Irving Harper is one of the most important and underrated designers of the 20th Century. This interview delves deeper into the historical importance of the Nelson Office, with a first hand account from one of their shining stars.
Photos by Matte Stephens.
Listen to the podcast interview here.
Icon revisited : Gio Ponti Coffee Tables
A look back at some of the most fantastic Gio Ponti glass coffee tables to have ever hit the auction block.
Images via Phillips de Pury and Wright.
Listen: Flushing Meadows + A tribe called quest
Labels: architecture, mid-century modern, music
The Tribe at the site of the 1939/1940 New York World's Fair which also hosted the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. The iconic Unisphere looms prominently. A true classic of 90s hip-hop.
Queen of Steel : Maria Pergay
In 1967, French steel manufacturer Uginox approached 5 designers to help stimulate interest in the use of stainless steel in interior design. Selected were Francois Monnet, Francoise See, Jacques Charpentier, Michel Boyer, and Maria Pergay. The result was revolutionary, carving a new path in the Modern Movement.
Having designed for both Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin, Maria Pergay arguably became the most famous member of the group. Read this exclusive interview with her at Luxury Culture
Le Corbusier's legacy
The Barbican in London is celebrating Le Corbusier. Widely acclaimed as the most influential architect of the 20th Century, his radical ideas for reinventing modern living - from private villas to large-scale social housing - still resonate today.
Via BBC.
Listen: Harry Bertoia's Sound Sculptures
The gentleman you see is Harry Bertoia's son, Val Bertoia.
Was Shepard Fairey Arrested To Embarrass The Mayor Of Boston?
Via Wooster Collective.
Wright Post War + Contemporary Art : Favorite picks
Labels: art, auction, fashion, photography, skateboarding
Favorite lots from the upcoming February 26 auction.
Set of 3 Jenny Holzer Survival Series LEDs.
An Eli Bornstein Structurist Relief.
Iconic image of Cindy Crawford by Herb Ritts.
Richard Prince Limited Edition Skateboard Decks by Supreme.
A Chuck Close tapestry depicting a portrait of Kate Moss.
See all the lots here.
Phillips de Pury : Herakut + the New Tastemaker Nathaniel Potter
From Phillips de Pury's sister site Phillipsartexpert, meet the artist duo Herakut, and collector Nathaniel Potter. Both are to offer properties in the upcoming Saturday@Phillips auction.
photos courtesy of Romanywg.
The magnificent GEORGE NAKASHIMA
Labels: auction, furniture, interior design, mid-century modern
An awe-inspiring short film from Sotheby's PRIVATE VIEW.
Spaces: Beautiful Interior + Architectural Photography on OWI
Home by designer/architect Arjaan de Feyter.
via The Office for Word and Image
Photographers include:
Bamberghi Filippo
Blee Sarah
Bollaert Stijn
Dujardin Filip
Gabriel Jean-Pierre
Hendrikx Diane
Kempenaers Jan
Limbour Bertrand
Lindman Åke E:son
Muller Fien
Musch Jeroen
Ocvirk Kus Danica
Van Leuven Bart
Vercruysse Frederik
Verne