WOLF retro DESIGN REVIEW. 4th December 2024
Looking great at 65!
A retro review looks at products that are at least over ten years old from a present-day WOLF design perspective. While the technology and fashion of the period influence design, and are taken into consideration, great design ideas will transcend their eras to be timeless.
Interesting and factual information may be provided, but our review aims to deliver insight from the perspective of a designer’s mind and eyes.
Comfortable, Classic & Iconic!
Introduction
Product description
Designed by Ray & Charles Eames, this plush leather office chair is classic and iconic. In our research we found some discrepancies with release date but in general it seems to be between 1959 and 1962.
Price and Availability.
Herman Miller have the license to produce this chair and in Australia they are sold through Living Edge Furniture stores. At the time of this review a brand new one retails for $11,260. Second hand ones do show up occasionally but can still command between $3000 and $5000 depending on condition. Vintage ones in good shape with unique leather colours can be several thousand dollars.
Additional information
The Eames executive chair is also commonly known as the “Time Life Desk Chair” or “Eames Lobby Chair”. They originally had four legs and around the mid-1980s grew a fifth one for greater stability. They were available both with and without castor wheels. The leather grade and castor wheels were also upgraded to be more durable.
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Review
First impressions
With its thick rounded corners and large leather padded surfaces this is a very inviting chair. At the same time there is a sense of prestige with its wide plush body and armrests. It was certainly a chair for executives and priced to reflect exclusiveness.
Product Design & Craftsmanship.
The Eames executive chair was an evolution of the Eames Lounge chair from 1956 with alloy legs and without the ottoman and wooden surfaces. Both pieces bare connections to older chesterfield style leather furniture with its dimples and leather buttons.
The overall form is relatively simple and consists of 3 large leather pads forming the back and bottom with two small armrests. All of this is connected by metal frames expressed on the outside like and exoskeleton. These metal frames also form the structure and contrasts nicely against the large leather components. Together they create the illusion of being suspended in air which in our opinion looks disproportionate and unstable. The frame and structure are what makes this chair so modern with a thin profile that forms a number “6” with a relaxed backwards lean. The metal legs are also elegantly sculpted to look and feel slender. They feel nice to touch if you don’t mind reaching down towards the ground.
The large leather pads are impressively thick and wide with leather piping around the edges. Even the backside is fulling clad in leather with a bend in the center to curve around your back. We like how buttons were also placed on the backside.
A relaxed backwards lean.
Proportionately the armrests are probably a bit small, and my not be comfortable for larger arms.
Function – Experience
The leather is thick, durable and nice to touch. The three main pads are comfortable and the piping detail is exquisite. The armrests are probably a bit small and could have been both longer and wider. They slide forward to come off but over time can also become a bit loose and prone to regularly falling off.
An additional or taller pad would not only provide some neck support but create a more regal presence. However, that may have also made the chair even more top heavy than it already looks. With this in mind we understand why the fifth leg was add in the mid-1980s.
The wheels effortlessly rotate and roll allowing you to glide smoothly with ease. The chair in this review also has tilt and height adjustment. Overall, the feeling of this chair is one of being well supported with comfort and a sense of purpose.
The joint on the leather piping is very neat
Even has buttons on the back.
Black bolts are neat and flush.
Desirability / Value for money
This chair is incredible and we especially enjoy how shocked people (who don’t know chairs) are when they learn that the design is now over 70 years old. There is very little to not like about it except for the price. Although it’s not the most expensive designer or vintage chair out there, the numerous replica pieces that continue to invade office spaces has made it harder to appreciate the tall price tag. A nice second hand one probably makes more sense and with it often comes more character.
WORD OF THE WOLF
This is a very high-quality chair with elegant classic design detailing that makes it both beautiful and practical. For those in the know, there is a distinct difference between original and reproduction, and we would always recommend the originals. Owners enjoy their comfort, quality, discrete charm and feel lucky to own an iconic chair that is unlikely to ever go out of style. Built to last, these chairs can be family heirlooms to be passed from one generation to the next and if cared for properly they will look better with age.
WOLF DESIGN EXCELLENCE SCORE = 8.2
Disclaimer
The information in this review is intended for informational or educational purposes to provide readers an understanding of how something may be seen from a certain design perspective. In this case it is from the view point of WOLF DESIGNS. As design is subjective this review should only be considered as an independent opinion. Information further to being of an opinion is provided to the best of our knowledge based on our own research at the time of doing the review. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or inconsistencies and reserve the right to change or update any content as appropriate.
The final responsibility of the design resides with the original manufacturer.
