The World Of Charles And Ray Eames

When we first heard news of The World of Charles and Ray Eames, it’s safe to say we were somewhat excited. So after months of anticipation, how did the Barbican’s new blockbuster exhibition fare?

Whether you’re an expert in all things Mid-century Modern or new to the designers work, visitors will not be disappointed by the sheer breadth and range of this retrospective show.

Delving deep into the Eames family archive, this exhibition captures the duos playful approach to design by displaying key pieces of furniture alongside personal letters, photographs, drawings, models, and multi-media installations.

Borrowing the pre-fabricated aesthetic of the Eames House (aka Case Study #8) to great effect, the Mid-century displays look at home within the Barbican’s Brutalist architecture.

Plenty of space is given to iconic designs such as the , ETR Table and ESU Shelving, while a whole room is dedicated to the designer’s ground-breaking series of fibreglass chairs (the DSW, DAR and RAR to name a few) all of which take pride of place within our designer collections.

To give an insight into the process behind their creation, each piece is accompanied by sketches, photographs and videos that help to tell the story of a career spanning over four decades.

Prototypes also reveal the designers experimental approach to materials, with moulded plywood forms and unusual leg splints that look more like contemporary sculpture than 1940s industrial design. Having shaped contemporary design of the period, the work of Charles and Ray Eames continues to have an enduring influence on the way we live today.

A must see for anyone with an interest in interiors, we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than losing yourself in this exhibition followed by a trip to Heal’s to test your favourite Eames designs.

Related stories

  • 10 Best Sustainable Furniture Pieces To Add To Your Home
    10 Best Sustainable Furniture Pieces To Add To Your Home
    Happy Earth Day! The theme for Earth Day this year is "Restore Our Earth" and to celebrate we’re sharing 10 sustainable pieces to add to your home. Tea Tall Vase by Dust London Designed by Dust London, the Tea vase is part of a cutting-edge collection that transforms tea waste into beautiful homeware. The process begins with a vase mould made using traditional origami techniques. Teabags are then dried out, blended and mixed with a non-toxic binder before being poured in the mould. The end result is a fully functional vase that’s strong enough to hold water and soil, making this the perfect vessel for flowers and plants. With each new vase, Dust London are challenging the perception of what sustainable design can be. Glide and Circuit Natural Dye Cushions by Ceres Ceres Natural Dye Glide Cushion and Ceres Natural Dye Circuit Cushion London-based design studio Ceres designed the Glide and Circuit cushions exclusively for Heal’s. Inspired by modern architecture, both designs are a bold composition of shapes and colours that bring the light and vibrancy of summer into the home. Hand-printed in Brixton using all-natural dyes, the colours are derived entirely from locally collected plants and bio-waste. Ocean Outdoor Collection by Mater Ocean Outdoor Collection Offering a sustainable alternative to traditional outdoor furniture, the Ocean outdoor collection was designed by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel for Mater. Available in black and sand finishes, the table top is crafted using ocean waste and recycled plastic with a robust steel base. Furthermore, when the table reaches the end of its lifespan it can be easily disassembled and recycled. Celebrated for its innovation and sustainable materials, the Ocean collection was honoured with a Wallpaper* Design Award in 2019. Way Collection by Ferm Living Way Collection Handwoven entirely from recycled cushions, the Way Collection by Ferm Living is not only eco-friendly, but also a stylish and durable decorative item perfect for sprucing up your indoor or outdoor space. The monochrome pattern is framed by asymmetric white fringe, creating a look that is both classic and contemporary at the same time. Canopy vases by LSA International Canopy Vases Collection Designed in collaboration with the Eden Project, the Canopy Collection by LSA is handcrafted using 100% recycled glass. Featuring various shapes, sizes and features, the Canopy range is ideal for all indoor plant enthusiasts, or an ideal gift to hold beautiful bouquets. Each piece is boxed in recycled, recyclable packaging printed with organic vegetable inks to further minimise the impact on the environment. Mistral sofa in Tejo Recycled Ochre Mistral sofa in Tejo Recycled Ochre Our best-selling Mistral sofa was recently revamped and refreshed using 100% recycled Tejo fabric from Designers Guild's award-winning Lisbon collection, which has been woven using salvaged yarns from the Italian fashion industry. The perfect blend of design, practicality and sustainability, don’t you think? Greenwich Recycled Outdoor Cushions Greenwich Recycled Outdoor Cushions Add a touch of style to your outdoor furniture with the Greenwich eco-friendly cushions. Woven in Italy from recycled plastic bottles, the Greenwich is a modern, durable cushion that can be used to spruce up both indoor and outdoor spaces. Each cushion is reversible with a subtle two-tone design and are perfect for layering on sofas or garden benches. Romilly Recycled Outdoor Rug Romilly Recycled Outdoor Rug Exclusively available at Heal’s, the grey Romilly rug is a unique design piece crafted entirely from eco-friendly materials. Hand-woven from recycled plastic bottles, each rug is made from a yarn that’s highly durable yet surprisingly soft to the touch. Romilly comes in a choice of three sizes and is also available as a runner, so it lends itself beautifully to entrance halls and living rooms. Equal parts rustic and contemporary, the rug also comes in a choice of three colours to perfectly suit your space. Teise Organic Mirror Teise Organic Mirror Designed by Ben Fowler exclusively for Heal’s, the Teise Organic Mirror is an elegant home accessory with sustainability at its core. Ben and his factory believe in the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement – that furniture should be both useful and beautiful. This mirror is exactly that, with an irregular frame that’s made from FSC-certified ash and steam-bent into natural curves. The attention to detail and expert craftmanship results in a timeless, keep-for-life piece of furniture. Handwoven Cotton Throw Handwoven Cotton Throw Traditionally woven from sustainable waste cotton, the cosy Handwoven cotton throw from Original Home is a soft accessory that can be used all around the home. Hand-woven on a traditional loom in Central Java, the throw comes in two natural colour to complement the light and airy design schemes. Adding a rustic charm to any living space, the throw is complete with tasselled fringe at the end. It’s also thick enough to keep you comfortable on a chilly evening.
  • Get Merry With Our Warming Mulled Wine Recipe
    Get Merry With Our Warming Mulled Wine Recipe
    The quintessential festive tipple, no Christmas party is complete without a warming glass of mulled wine. So to help you get the perfect blend of sugar, citrus and spice, we’ve concocted our own yuletide guide to this classic Christmas cocktail. Ingredients: 2 oranges The peel of one lemon 150 g caster sugar 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick (and extra to serve) 1 bay leaf 1 star anise 2 bottles of red wine (Syrah or Malbec) Brandy (optional) The method: To make the syrup, in a large saucepan place the sugar, spices, lemon peel and the peel and juice of one of the oranges. Add a dash of wine, just enough to cover the sugar, place on a mild heat and bring to the boil making sure to stir occasionally. Once the syrup is nice and thick, turn down the heat and add the rest of the wine plus a glug of brandy. Wait until the mulled wine is heated through, taste and add more brandy if preferred. To serve, cut the second orange into rounds and add to each glass as garnish alongside a cinnamon stick (optional). Your choice of vessel really depends on the occasion. While some prefer to keep things sophisticated with a traditional stemmed glass, there’s something so right about serving your mulled wine in a designer mug. We’ve opted for a stemless wine tumbler and carafe to give an informal yet elegant look to Christmas drinks. Tips & tricks: • Put loose spices and ingredients into a muslin cloth and tie to ensure all the flavour is released without the residue. • With so many flavours going on, we recommend using a fruity, full-bodied wine such as Syrah or Malbec to punch through the sugary sweetness. • Alternatively, if you’ve got a bottle of red lying about that you regret buying, now’s the perfect time to get rid of it – mulling will help cover up the taste of cheap plonk and a drop of brandy will ensure your guests are none the wiser. • Try switching brandy with ginger wine for a fiery finish or sloe gin to really bring out those berry flavours. • Don’t forget the longer you heat your mulled wine the more alcohol you’ll burn off. It’s all a matter of how merry you wish to get, so we’ll leave it up to your better judgment.
  • Hot Off The Press: April 2017
    Hot Off The Press: April 2017
    In his magnum opus The Waste Land, modernist writer T.S. Eliot famously claimed that ‘April is the cruellest month’. While, usually, we are not ones to question a literary giant, we couldn’t disagree more. After all, with the arrival of April comes Easter eggs, a string of bank holidays and the latest designs fresh from the Salone Del Mobile Milano. Of course, new designs from Tom Dixon and Anglepoise weren’t the only thing to distract from yet more topsy-turvy turns in the world of politics. For April saw the return of the Heal’s Modern Craft Market with this year’s focus firmly on the big smoke and the makers who are making a name for themselves in the capital. For four weeks our Made in London exhibition showcased some of the city’s most exciting craft talent with a jam-packed schedule of parties, demos and hands-on workshops from those involved. And this wasn’t the only thing to set tongues of wagging in the press this month... Country Living, ’10 delicate DIY ideas to create the perfect flower-filled Easter dining space,' 15.04.17 - Glass Tapered Pendant Large by Old School Electric. The Guardian (Weekend Magazine), ‘Space, The Edit,’22.04.17 – Octopus Large Plate by Mia Sarosi and Indigo Rain dinnerware by 1881 Ltd. madaboutthehouse.co.uk, ‘Green Velvet Sofa,’12.04.17 - Wallis sofa by Russell Pinch for Heal's. theresident.co.uk, ‘Spring Interiors Trends,’ 12.04.17 – Wallis sofa by Russell Pinch for Heal's and Marbled cushion by Susi Bellamy. homegirllondon.com, ‘Exciting Eccentric Octopus Tableware Trend,’12.04.17 - Octopus tableware by Mia Sarosi. House Beautiful, 'Moodboard Masterclass,' 01.05.17 – Rodan round occasional table by PINCH, Memo rug by Linie Design, Hexxed side table by Moroso and Minerals cushions by Petite Friture. The Guardian, 'Space: The Edit,'01.04.17 – Botany cushion by Bonnie and Neil. More cool than cruel, shop all the latest designs featured above in store or online.