Charles and Ray Eames: Designers of the Twentieth Century [Hardcover]

Pat Kirkham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995

Charles and Ray Eames, perhaps the most famous partnership of 20th-century America, did pioneering work in furniture, film, architecture and exhibition design. Out of respect for Charles's wishes, no book on them was published during their lifetime. In "Charles and Ray Eames" Pat Kirkham interprets their work in depth, probing the lives behind the designs and the nature of the collaboration. In researching this work, Kirkham had full access to the Eames archive and co-operation from the Eame's clients and associates. The result is a study of the designers and of their work from 1941 to 1978, including a re-evaluation of Ray's role. After discussing the early careers of both Charles and Ray, Kirkham considers their joint work against the background of contemporary socio-economic and design developments. There is a recounting of their early careers and an examination of their multimedia presentations, exhibitions and films. Kirkham looks at the films in the context of an avant-garde tradition and in an industrial film-making tradition and takes up their role in popularizing the computer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kirkham's thorough discussion of the Eameses' lesser knowncontributions to design and film and the personal working dynamicbetween the two partners provides a well-rounded perspective of one ofthe great design partnerships of the 20th century." Katherine Kai-sun Chia , Architectural Record

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Pat Kirkham is Professor of Design History and Cultural Studies of Design at De Montfort University, Leicester, England, and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Design History. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Mit Pr (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262111993
• ISBN-13: 978-0262111997
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #749,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL CHARLES AND RAY EAMES DESIGN!, February 27, 2006

By 

Availar James "Availar James" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charles and Ray Eames: Designers of the Twentieth Century (Paperback)

Charles and Ray Eames were not only creative artistic talents, they were also commercial geniuses (just like George Nelson was). These two talents provided the secret for success that would reward them throughout their life. This book gives in debt view about the vast creative inspiration that Charles and Ray Eames had. This is a wonderful coffee table book, a joy to browse through. If you like modern design I also suggest to visit the wonderful online archive about George Nelson at WWW.GEORGENELSON.ORG and also the museum archive from Verner Panton at WWW.VERNERPANTON.COM