Wednesday 13 April 2016

The Day Charles and Ray came to Earlwood

          

I recently toured the Tuck House in Gordon (northern suburb of Sydney) which was designed by the architect Harry Seidler in the 1950's. The current owner entertained Harry  and his wife several times after she took possession of the home.  She described his comments and conversation about the house which, of course, was fascinating 
This made me think what it would be like to have Charles and Ray Eames over for a cuppa and see the Eames coffee table which has recently come into my possession.  I would have them sitting in the red wool mid century basket chairs made by Knoll.  They might recognise a few of their friends and collegue's work which I am lucky enough to have. We would have tea and some yummy dessert and I'm telling you, I would be in HEAVEN!
Charles was an architect and his wife, Ray, was a painter.  Together they were a powerhouse in creativity. They not only designed furniture but also made films, sculptures, installations, commercials and houses.  They were interested in ideas, in experimentation and most of all, in fun.  This all took place in USA from the 1940's until Charles's death in the 1980's.
My coffee table was the result of experimenting with plywood in order to bend it.  During the war they experimented, developed ideas and ended up producing wooden splints by the thousand for the war effort. Afterwards Charles and Ray returned to designing furniture, using what they have learned from the splints.

    

Well, although Charles and Ray are no longer able to pop round for a cuppa, I can imagine them while I enjoy my new coffee table which is very, very special.... well to me anyway.


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