The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Launches Tables, Tables, Tables
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is launching their seventh exhibit, titled Tables, Tables, Tables, which delves into how Ray and Charles brought their unique design approach to tables. While the Eames are best known for their iconic chair designs, there is an entire adjacent legacy of tables that demonstrates the duo’s same thoughtful approach to problem-solving, application, materials, and quality. From the folding legs of the DTM to the flexible system offered by the Segmented Base tables, the Eameses left a legacy of creativity and innovation that marked their three decade career in furniture design.
This exhibit details a variety of tables created by Ray and Charles Eames, including early works in plywood, experimental prototypes from their workplace, and examples of table systems created for the vast contract market. “Curating this exhibit was an absolute joy,” shares Llisa Demetrios, the Eames's youngest granddaughter and the Institute's Chief Curator. “It’s fascinating thinking of the countless iterations that my grandparents went through to create each table. Although somewhat simple upon first thought, each table has its own detailed background and meaning in the history of their designs.”
Ray and Charles understood that a table can take on a vastly different character depending on its use; they knew that a table should be designed not only for the person using it, but also the space it will be in and the way it will be used. In 1964, Ray and Charles Eames created the now requisite feature that gives us Segmented Base Tables, allowing the user to easily alter a table's shape and size. The exhibition explores the Eames’ system of base elements, which is still sold today with more recent additions such as hidden power, data connections and wireless charging technology.
Tables, Tables, Tables explores the Eames’ immersive approach to problem solving, as they scrutinized materials, designs, applications and shapes to solve problems and improve on one of the most common and frequently used items in our homes and workplaces. In addition to the archival pieces on view, the architect and designer Kim Colin of Industrial Facility has written a thoughtful essay using the Eames’ designs as a lens through which to view the evolution of tables and the settings in which they are used today, centering on how the problems of table design have changed from then to now.
Tables, Tables, Tables will launch on March 23rd at eamesinstitute.org
Please contact eames@alphakilo.com for more information.