Lot 1194
Vintage Early 1st Generation Charles Eames for Evans Sold by Herman Miller Molded Plywood DCM Chair. This vintage item remains fully functional. Bears the Evans foil label underneath seat. The 1946 Eames DCM Chair was the abbreviated name representing the Dining Height (D) Side Chair (C) on Metal (M) Rod Base. The chair was part of a small series of chairs and tables which effectively kick started the career of Charles and Ray Eames into notoriety. History would soon coin the phrase ‘Eames Chairs’ largely based on the design and success of the first group of chairs including the DCM alongside the lounge version LCM as well as the wooden leg versions the DCW and LCW. The series were a result of a long-standing collaboration between Charles Eames and the Evans Plywood Company which had worked together, from the same location in Venice CA, throughout the war years. The design of the series may seem classical and relatively tame by today’s standards but imagine the post war period from 1946 when designs of new materials and shapes were beginning to reach the public domain. They were perhaps a pre-cursor of the decade to come which had an almost unlimited feel of expression in US design, the 1950’s. The Eames DCM Plywood Chair would be made available in a range of plywood veneer woods and colours. Herman Miller, whom had been involved in the distribution of the chairs for Evans Plywood Division, purchased the manufacturing operation and all licenses in 1949, literally paving the way for one of the design worlds most potent partnerships. Such was the popularity of the DCM and lounger LCM version, they have remained on the Herman Miller catalog to this day whereas most of the plywood furniture items were obsolete before the end of the 50’s. As well as the natural wooden versions, upholstered variants were also made through the generations. Approx. Net Weight: 13.50lbs Keywords: Mid Century Modern Other Notes: During World War II, American designers Charles and Ray Eames (1907–78; 1912–88) worked with the United States Navy to make a new leg splint. Recognizing that metal splints could further injure a wounded person through the vibrations of their material, the couple created a new model with molded plywood. That wartime experience propelled the Eameses to continue their explorations in plywood. In 1946, they debuted the DCM, its shortened name referencing the “Dining Height (D) Side Chair (C) on Metal (M) Rod Base.” The DCM was featured in “New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames” at the Museum of Modern Art, even though the pieces on view were the fruit of the highly collaborative process between Charles and his wife, Ray. In fact, the sculptural form of the DCM’s seat and separate back — which earned it the nickname “Potato Chip” chair — were largely influenced by Ray’s interest in abstract art, such as Alexander Calder’s mobiles and Joan Miró’s biomorphic forms. Inventive in its application of the plywood molding process for its birch material, the DCM is shaped to fit the sitter’s body. Its use of tubular steel is also worthy of note — an innovation that makes it look as if the plywood seat and back are floating in place. Rubber “shock” mounts allow the parts to be easily screwed together. When it was brought to the mass market by Herman Miller in 1947, the DCM was an almost instant success for its lightweight portability and versatility. It is still among the most popular models produced by Herman Miller, exemplifying the Eameses’ influential legacy in modern living.; Ref: BD1457
- Dimensions: 29.25in x 19.5in x 19.25
- Medium: Plywood Metal
- Circa: 1947-1950
- Notes: During World War II, American designers Charles and Ray Eames (1907–78; 1912–88) worked with the United States Navy to make a new leg splint. Recognizing that metal splints could further injure a wounded person through the vibrations of their material, the couple created a new model with molded plywood. That wartime experience propelled the Eameses to continue their explorations in plywood. In 1946, they debuted the DCM, its shortened name referencing the “Dining Height (D) Side Chair (C) on Metal (M) Rod Base.” The DCM was featured in “New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames” at the Museum of Modern Art, even though the pieces on view were the fruit of the highly collaborative process between Charles and his wife, Ray. In fact, the sculptural form of the DCM’s seat and separate back — which earned it the nickname “Potato Chip” chair — were largely influenced by Ray’s interest in abstract art, such as Alexander Calder’s mobiles and Joan Miró’s biomorphic forms. Inventive in its application of the plywood molding process for its birch material, the DCM is shaped to fit the sitter’s body. Its use of tubular steel is also worthy of note — an innovation that makes it look as if the plywood seat and back are floating in place. Rubber “shock” mounts allow the parts to be easily screwed together. When it was brought to the mass market by Herman Miller in 1947, the DCM was an almost instant success for its lightweight portability and versatility. It is still among the most popular models produced by Herman Miller, exemplifying the Eameses’ influential legacy in modern living.
- Condition: This chair is in good condition with signs of wear commensurate with age. The rear rubber mounts on the back support show signs of age, wear, and are loose. Metal base has been painted white. Please see photos for details.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
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| $100 | $199 | $10 |
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| $10,000 + | $200 |