Charles Eames

Charles E. (1907-1978)

Considered as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, Charles Eames was born in St Louis, Missouri. Perhaps decorated as the finest American designer of his generation, Eames was heavily influenced by his Uncle’s workings, the great architect William S. Eames.

Despite a healthy education studying architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, Eames best began to put his ideas into motion whilst working as a labourer at the Laclede Steel Company in the town of his birth. Here, he inherited first-hand knowledge and experience about engineering, drawing, and architecture, learning moulding and treatment techniques he would later become famous for.

Both Charles Eames and his wife Ray are still heavily celebrated on an international scale, especially for their work in the field of modern furniture. Both collaborated on numerous projects, earning them the AIA Twenty-five Year Award in 1977 and the prestigious Royal Gold Medal Award in 1979, a year after Charles passed away. Their work is still showcased at MoMA in New York, whilst in 1985 IDSA accredited Eames as "The Most Influential Designer of the 20th Century".