INSIDE THE HENRY FORD
HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION
7 FACTS ABOUT THE 670/671
The careful dissection and exploded view of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is a museum exclusive
visitors to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation about the artifacts that leave a lasting impression, and most likely the Exploded Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in the Fully Furnished exhibit is a contender. This sculpture, designed by Santa Febased artist and designer Vincent Faust, has been a part of The Henry Ford’s collections since 2006. Faust created the installation using a Herman Miller-produced Lounge Chair (aka the 670) and Ottoman (aka the 671), which are the iconic creations of designers Charles and Ray Eames. Faust’s piece is one of those stop-and-stare artifacts, giving visitors an exclusive look at the complex ways the dynamic couple made plywood, leather and aluminum mesh together to create one of furniture’s most innovative yet classic designs. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman have been in continuous production since 1956. Here are seven statements worth knowing about the couple’s timeless design.
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1 Owners of authentic 670s can still get replacement parts from Herman Miller, regardless of the age of their chair. 2 This design is in the permanent collection of more than 20 major museums throughout the United States and Europe. 3 The base of the 670/671 was originally
designed by the Eames Office as a contract table base. 4 For the first 10 years of production,
Herman Miller offered the chair in leather, fabric or Naugahyde, but Charles and Ray insisted the company add a note to the catalog recommending the premium “best aucht” leather. 5 The cushions of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are not only symmetrical but interchangeable. 6 The quality leathers used on the 670/671 will last indefinitely because sufficient oils are incorporated into the leather during tanning. 7 The Eameses wanted the 670/671 to have “the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”
ONLINE To see artist Vincent Faust’s full portfolio of his work in sculpture, painting, set design and more, visit vincentfaust.comc ONLINE For more information, hours and pricing for Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, visit thehenryford.org/museumc 50
JUNE-DECEMBER 2018
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman have been in continuous production for more than half a century. The exploded sculpture on display in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation reveals the chair’s elegant balance of materials, components, craftsmanship and mechanical production.
FROM THE HENRY FORD ARCHIVE OF AMERICAN INNOVATION