EA 116 Armchair by Charles Eames & Ray Eames for Vitra (USA)

EA 116 Aluminium Group Armchair by Charles & Ray Eames

The EA 116 armchair forms part of the celebrated Aluminium Group series designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958. Originally developed for outdoor use at the private residence of Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard in Columbus, Indiana, the series quickly became one of the most recognisable office seating designs of the twentieth century.

This example features the characteristic suspended leather seat and back, stretched between polished aluminium side frames to create a supportive yet flexible sitting surface. The chair sits on a four-star swivel base and includes slim, elegant arms. The design is both light and architectural, with the seat appearing almost to float within the frame.

The seat is upholstered in black leather with the classic horizontal ribbed panels associated with the Aluminium Group. There are  some small tears to the side of the leather on the seat - clearly photographed - hence the reduced price.  The chair is structurally sound and other than this in very good conditiobn

Dimensions

Max width: 55 cm
Max depth: approx. 55 cm
Max height: 83 cm

Designer

Charles Eames (1907–1978) & Ray Eames (1912–1988)

Charles and Ray Eames were among the most influential designers of the twentieth century, working across furniture, architecture, film, and graphic design. Charles studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis before establishing a practice with architect Eero Saarinen. Ray, born Bernice Alexandra Kaiser, studied painting under Hans Hofmann and brought a strong artistic sensibility to their partnership.

The couple met at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan in 1940 and soon married, forming a creative collaboration that would define modern American design. Working closely with the Herman Miller company from the mid-1940s onwards, they developed numerous groundbreaking furniture designs including the moulded plywood chairs, the Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956), and the Aluminium Group seating (1958).

Their work combined technical innovation with a deep understanding of how people live and work, helping to shape the visual language of modern interiors. Today their designs remain in continuous production and are held in major museum collections worldwide.