An excellent early second-generation DAR armchair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller in 1954–55.

The chair retains its original parchment-coloured moulded fibreglass shell, with particularly strong and clearly visible fibres throughout the surface. This pronounced fibrous character is one of the qualities we particularly like about early Eames shells, giving the material a wonderful depth and texture that became less apparent in later production.

This is a second-generation example and retains the large original shock mounts associated with this early period of production. The shell is mounted on its original 

DAR, or Dining Armchair Rod, base, more commonly referred to as the Eiffel base. The slender black-painted metal rods provide a particularly good contrast with the warm parchment colour and heavily textured surface of the shell.

This chair is one of four early Eames fibreglass chairs we acquired from the same private collection. Although offered individually, their shared provenance is particularly interesting, and the group provides a wonderful comparison of early fibreglass production, colour, surface and construction.

The chair has survived in particularly good condition. Structurally it is excellent, with the original shell, base and large shock mounts all retained. The parchment fibreglass has developed an attractive and even patina through more than seventy years of use, with expected minor marks and surface wear, particularly around the edges of the shell. None of this is excessive and the chair has clearly been well looked after.

The chair has simply been carefully cleaned. We have deliberately avoided unnecessary restoration, preserving the original surface, strong visible fibres and signs of age.

Although there is no surviving manufacturer's label, the early construction and details are consistent with second-generation Herman Miller production from 1954–55.

A particularly good early example of the Eames DAR, retaining the qualities we look for in early fibreglass production: strong visible fibres, original components, early construction and an honest, well-preserved surface.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom. 

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.