A particularly good pair of first-generation Rope Edge fibreglass armchairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller and Zenith Plastics between 1950 and 1954.

These are among the earliest production versions of the Eames fibreglass armchair and are distinguished by the characteristic rope edge running around the perimeter of each shell. This reinforced edge is an important feature of first-generation production and was subsequently eliminated as the manufacturing process developed.

The two chairs retain their original moulded fibreglass shells in Red Orange and Lemon Yellow, both colours from the earliest Eames palette. More than seventy years of age and exposure have softened the original colours considerably. The Red Orange has developed into a wonderful salmon-pink tone, while the Lemon Yellow has mellowed to a softer, warmer yellow. We particularly like the way the colour has aged and would not want to alter or attempt to restore these surfaces.

The fibreglass itself is especially expressive, with a dense network of individual glass fibres clearly visible throughout both shells. This is particularly apparent on the Red Orange chair, where the contrast between the fibres and coloured resin gives the surface an extraordinary depth and texture.

Both chairs retain their original large shock mounts and surviving early labels. The Red Orange chair retains a particularly clear early label, while the label to the Lemon Yellow chair survives only partially. Together with the rope-edge construction and other production details, these are important characteristics of these early shells.

Each chair is mounted on a wooden dowel base with black-painted metal cross-bracing. The bases display convincing age and wear and, as far as we can determine, have been with the chairs for a considerable period. We cannot conclusively establish that they have always belonged to these particular shells, however, and therefore prefer not to describe them categorically as original to the chairs.

Both shells are completely original and unrestored and remain structurally excellent, without cracks or repairs. The chairs have simply been carefully cleaned. We have deliberately avoided unnecessary restoration, preserving the original surfaces, fibres, labels, shock mounts and the considerable character they have developed through age.

These chairs are two of four early Eames fibreglass armchairs we acquired from the same private collection. The group spans both first- and second-generation production, making the shared provenance particularly interesting and providing a wonderful comparison of the development of the Eames fibreglass chair during the first half of the 1950s.

The chairs are available individually, although we think they work particularly well together. Their contrasting Red Orange and Lemon Yellow shells, similarly aged surfaces and matching wooden dowel bases give them a natural relationship without suggesting that they were originally produced or sold as a pair.

For us, these are particularly appealing examples of very early Eames fibreglass production. The rope edges, strong visible fibres, original colours, large shock mounts, surviving labels and beautifully aged surfaces retain precisely the qualities that make the earliest Eames shells so interesting to collect.

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.