Comments:
In the picture below (circa 1967) Rolex executives are being presented with the Rolex advertising campaign "If you were climbing here tomorrow...you'd wear a Rolex". Can any chair gurus tell me if the chairs in the picture are Eames Time-Life 'Lobby' desk chairs (I am working on a research project...thank you).
Rolex and The Eames Time-Life 'Lobby' Desk Chair?
In the picture below (circa 1967) Rolex executives are being presented with the Rolex advertising campaign "If you were climbing here tomorrow...you'd wear a Rolex". Can any chair gurus tell me if the chairs in the picture are Eames Time-Life 'Lobby' desk chairs (I am working on a research project...thank you).
Yes, it appears to be the original version of the Eames Time-Life chair.
The chair in the drawing is a later version that was developed to be a desk chair version with five-star base, casters, and a tilt mechanism. Many more desk versions were produced than the lobby version.
I used to work for Herman Miller in R&D and marketing, and used to buy and sell vintage Miller. It's been a long time, but let me know if you have other questions. Happy to help.
Given your background…
How comfortable are these? They look quite low cut, so probably not for longer stints?
They're pretty comfortable.
The lounge version is pretty comfortable. You're correct though, they sit low and with a more upright position than the Eames Lounge--I think this is due to the business setting and lack of an ottoman. The desk or task version is pretty bad. The ergonomics are out dated and the tilt mechanism is located too far back, which kicks the front edge up--an Aeron chair it is not.
The ergonomics are indifferent on the lounge chair, too…
At least for someone over 6 feet, irrespective of the ottoman 😉 But it looks good 😁
Good looking it is. Have you ever tried a "tall" Eames Lounge Chair?
It was re-proportioned to accommodate taller individuals--hence the "tall" moniker. HermanMiller offers it, not sure if Vitra does as well.
That said, I opted for a vintage Aluminum Group lounge chair.
A more esoteric choice, but a design that has always spoke to me.
I've been using the Eames Soft Pad for years and really like it, though I'm rarely in it for more than an hour at a time.
Wonderfully detailed and concise description! If only we could get such a description for watches!
I'd say something similar about the Collins Aerospace chairs in United Airlines' Premium Plus (aka Premium Economy) Class. Can't get my headphones plugged in no matter how I contortion myself!
Really Interesting, these chairs were made by Herman Miller
Time Life Lobby Chair Model ES105
Source: Rarify
Eames Time Life Lobby Chair, model ES105, designed in 1960 by Charles and Ray Eames. The chair was designed for the Time Life Building in New York. This model is slightly wider than the Time Life Executive Chair. The piece features a polished aluminum frame, and retains its original cognac leather upholstery. It has a four-star base and has its original glides. The lobby chair is no longer produced by Herman Miller.
Source: Rarify
Eames Time Life Lobby Chair, model ES105, designed in 1960 by Charles and Ray Eames. The chair was designed for the Time Life Building in New York. This model is slightly wider than the Time Life Executive Chair. The piece features a polished aluminum frame, and retains its original cognac leather upholstery. It has a four-star base and has its original glides. The lobby chair is no longer produced by Herman Miller.
If you ever have a chance to see the Eames house in the Palisades, CA: it's a worthwhile time spent.
I did it almost to the day exactly one year ago.
Cheers, HSTE
The Eames House is a beautiful icon of Mid-Century architecture.
Fifteen years ago, I was able to tour the house and adjoining office. I was able to put a marble into the Music Tower, a 15-foot xylophone, and listen to it chime--a rare treat that I will never forget. As part of the same trip, I spent an afternoon in the archives of Eames Office, then located in Venice.
What an awesome experience, was the Eames office as it was when both were working there or modernized?
That photo
Looks like it was taken out of the mad men TV show which I suspect is a compliment to them!
Please! Lots of Eames furniture lovers here. And mid-century modern and Bauhaus furniture fans.
