A special anniversary label will adorn all Eames Aluminum Group thin-pad chairs ordered in 2008; a custom, limited edition Anniversary White leather is also available
Introduced in 1958 to address the lack of high-quality outdoor furniture on the market, the Eames Aluminum Group, originally named the Indoor-Outdoor Group, was a unique answer to a problem--a signature trait of the designs of Charles and Ray Eames. Fifty years later, it has become one of the most recognizable mid-century modern seating choices for homes and offices worldwide.
To commemorate the 50th year of the Eames Aluminum Group, Herman Miller is offering the thin-pad products in a custom, limited edition Anniversary White leather.
High-resolution image featuring white leather (6.6MB ZIP)
"We wanted a special way to mark a milestone for what has truly become an iconic design," says Gregg VanderKooi, product manager for Classics. "The leather we've chosen has an iridescent pearl finish. It beautifully complements the polished aluminum frame."
The Aluminum Group initially was designed for Irwin Miller, founder of Cummins Engines, in Columbus, Indiana. Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard designed the Miller home and challenged Charles and Ray Eames to develop a high-quality seating product for outdoor use.
Known for their honest use of materials, the Eameses constructed the chairs with cast aluminum and first conceived of a seat frame to support stretched fabric--a synthetic mesh (woven saran). Although the mesh was discontinued shortly after its introduction, Herman Miller reintroduced a new mesh material for the Aluminum Group in 2001. Called Cygnus, it is similar to the Aeron chair's Pellicle fabric in its aeration and translucent qualities.
The Aluminum Group, which includes management, side, executive, and lounge seating options, also may be upholstered with traditional fabrics and leathers.
"To make it more distinctive, we're placing a special anniversary label on the underside of the Aluminum Group thin pad chairs," says VanderKooi. "Every one ordered in the anniversary year will have this label to verify its authenticity."
Orders for the limited edition chair will be accepted through the end of 2008.
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