Ray and Charles Eames for Vitra "EA 116" Hopsack Lounge Swivel Armchair

Ray & Charles Eames / Vitra / Switzerland

The Vitra EA 116 aluminium easy chair is a 20th-century icon and a pinnacle in the body of work that iconic design duo Charles & Ray Eames left to the world. It was designed in 1958 at the request of friend of the couple, designer and architect Eero Saarinen, who had a hard time finding suitable chairs for a house that he was commissioned to build. Charles and his significant other Ray Eames decided to work with US furniture manufacturer Herman Miller to meet this demand. In 1959, only a year later, Vitra brought the Aluminium Chairs to Europe. The design has a light, elegant metal frame, is upholstered in Hopsak woven fabric, and is seated on a smooth swivel base. The Eames created this timeless design, with its high backrest that conforms to the shape of the body, as a near perfect marriage of comfort and esthetics. In original condition, with some age appropriate wear.