Preserving an Icon: The Conservation of an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The husband-and-wife designers were pioneers in modern architecture and furniture design. The Eames Lounge Chair was their first foray into high-end furniture and was intended to provide a modern take on the traditional English club chair. This cherished Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman not only exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and design but also holds deep sentimental value for its owner.

Andrew Rigsby, Associate Conservator of Antique and Fine Furniture, recently undertook the meticulous conservation of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. This comprehensive process involved meticulous attention to detail for both the wooden and leather components. While the wooden parts were in good condition, they required surface cleaning to remove fine particulate matter. Andrew's careful cleaning with a mild detergent removed accumulated grime and wax residue. He also addressed minor damage to the life-worn areas, seamlessly blending them into the overall appearance. The most significant transformation was the restoration of the blanched plywood edges, bringing back their original vibrancy. Finally, a protective coat of paste wax was applied to enhance longevity.

The chair's upholstery also received attention, ensuring both comfort and aesthetic integrity. The leather exhibited age-related issues, necessitating careful reupholstering. This involved removing the foam core for heavy steaming, steaming and tumbling the ticking and down to redistribute the down feathers, and replacing the polyester Dacron batting. The down feather blends were replenished as needed, and new upholstered pads were installed to match the original leather as closely as possible.

The chair's owner, a former museum curator passionate about mid-century modern design, shared poignant reflections on the chair's significance. Acquired by her late father in the early 1960s after a hospital stay for sciatic pain, the chair quickly became a cherished companion. Her father, a rabbi, found solace and peace in the chair, spending countless hours reading in it. This emotional bond with the chair, a testament to its comfort and design, continues to resonate with her.

When the owner and her husband, also a rabbi, moved back to Chicago from Manhattan, her parents gifted them the chair, believing it would serve the needs of another rabbi. Now, in retirement, the chair continues to offer solace and support as she spends several hours a day reading in it. She shared that “I have a sweet sense that the chair embraces me,” which is particularly meaningful to her, creating a sense of connection to her late parents. One of her sons-in-law, an architect, has already expressed a desire to inherit the chair, ensuring its legacy within the family.

Eames Lounge Chair after treatment, detail

The conservation of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman successfully revived its physical beauty and ensured its continued functionality. More importantly, it preserved a significant piece of family history. By dedicating meticulous care to conserving this iconic piece, we honor the legacy of its designers and the profound personal stories it embodies. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman continue to symbolize the timeless appeal of mid-century modern design, enriching the lives of those who treasure its presence.

Carissa Tonner