Arguably one of the 20th century’s most beloved designs, the Eames Shell chairs remain a sought after design classic nearly 55 years later. The molded fiberglass chairs are the result of Charles and Ray’s 6 years of experimenting with molded plywood to create a single shell form. Unable to successfully create the single shell with molded plywood at the time, Charles & Ray saw an opportunity to fulfill their vision using a new material: fiberglass.
Charles Eames famously said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” The Molded Shell Chairs fulfill a universal response to what one wants in a chair: so that it could fit every body and any context—a chair that would be equally at home in a museum, living room or business.
The Eames Molded Fiberglass 4-Leg Base is back in eight archival colors and plenty of options to customize, including upholstery. This chair, first designed in 1950, continues to be extremely versatile and durable. Making it the perfect fit for an office, living room or dining room.
The Materials
Prior to Ray’s passing away in 1988, she had become concerned with the way the original Molded Fiberglass Chairs worked- particularly how the material evaporated into the atmosphere- so she started the process of discontinuing the chair. Until 2014, the only Authentic Eames Fiberglass Chairs available on the market were vintage.
Thanks to a new proprietary process of producing fiberglass, Herman Miller is once again able to produce the Eames original 1950 Molded Fiberglass Chair safely by means of a less volatile, monomer-free dry bind process. Resulting in a healthier earth as well as safer work environment for Herman Miller employees.
Herman Miller, in their ongoing commitment to reaching a zero operational footprint, offers a Take Back program. The fiberglass chairs are 98% recyclable. Although we are sure you will love your Eames Fiberglass chairs for decades to come.
