ES103 Intermediate Chair

While the Intermediate Chair was not part of a broader family or furniture grouping, the Eameses still brought some of their requisite systems thinking to the design. The model was offered in three styles, numbered ES101, ES102, and ES103 respectively—a swiveling side chair, armchair, and this tilting and swiveling variation. Although the chair is unique, in all three models the under-seat “antler” and tilt-swivel mechanisms are borrowed from the 1967 redesign of the Aluminum Group desk and armchairs. While the final version of the design offered either “eggplant coating” (for an additional $30—the equivalent of $267 adjusted for inflation) or “bright polished” aluminum components, the frame, arms, and base of this early prototype feature a deep navy epoxy. This experimental coloration is clearly related to the explorations the office was concurrently undertaking on the Eames Chaise, which was only offered with the eggplant finish. This early version from 901 Washington Boulevard also omits the leather-wrapped arms of the production model. It bears a round, black and silver “Design by Charles Eames for Herman Miller” label on the underside.