In projects ranging from civic centers to memorials and museums, Sir David Adjaye weaves architecture with idea and emotion to bring dignity to his subjects and audiences.
Meet Ray & Charles
Over the course of their decades-long partnership—in life and work—Ray and Charles Eames engaged in a tireless pursuit of problem-solving design that led to some of the most groundbreaking and iconic creations of the 20th century. From mass-produced ergonomic furniture that supported a wide range of people, activities, and environments, to films that succinctly and playfully conveyed complex concepts, to exhibitions that structured information like architecture, no subject matter or medium fell outside of their wide-angled vision for the role design could play in our world. With tireless curiosity, the trailblazing duo’s radically inclusive vision of design remains as powerful as ever.
Images © Eames Office, LLC
Heirloom Variety
Llisa Demetrios, granddaughter of Ray and Charles and chief curator of the Eames Institute, shares some of the most personal items from her family’s past, and tells us about the remarkable woman—her mother, Lucia Eames—who ensured those treasures would be preserved for future generations.
Llisa Demetrios
Chief Curator
Father and Daughter Portrait
Both born and raised in St. Louis, Charles and Lucia shared a love of their hometown and each other.
Holiday Wishes
Postmarked December 25, 1976, this was one of many letters and telegrams sent by Ray and Charles to Lucia over the years.
Ray’s Daily Planner
Lucia Eames’ birthday noted with love on October 11, 1966.
Lucia in the Meadow
In the late-1940s, before the Eames House was built, Lucia could often be found sharing weekend picnics with Ray and Charles and shooting archery on the property.
Lucia’s Lunch Box
In the 1930s, when Lucia was a little girl, Charles painted this lunch box, which she treasured.
These family keepsakes so beautifully illustrate the love between Ray, Charles, and my mother.
— Llisa Demetrios
Note to Lucia from Charles
Note to Lucia from Charles
Note to Lucia from Charles
Thinking of Ray, one thinks of Charles; thinking of Charles, one thinks of Ray. Thinking of both, one remembers the embrace of their presence…
— Lucia Eames
Family Photo Booth Strip
As a teenager and college student, Lucia spent her summers with Ray and Charles in Los Angeles.
The Collection
After Ray and Charles passed away, the Eames family safeguarded the designers’ legacy by preserving the contents of the original Eames Office at 901 Washington in Venice, California. While the files, films, and photographs went to the Library of Congress, a vast majority of items have been cared for by the family and now form the basis of the Eames Collection. Today, the Eames Institute makes this remarkable body of work accessible to everyone.
Featured Exhibits
As the Eames Institute works to fully document, conserve, preserve, and archive the Eames Collection, we offer an ever-growing series of online exhibitions for you to explore the world of Ray and Charles.
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Form Follows Formulation
The Eameses’ quest to create a comfortable and affordable shell chair from a single material led to two iconic designs—and limitless permutations.
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Plywood During the War
As World War II raged overseas, Ray and Charles turned their practice toward the war effort, and in the process learned lessons that set the stage for a life in design.
This link opens the post, "Plywood During the War"
Welcome to a world where agriculture is an act of design, and opportunities for growth never go out of season.
The Ranch
The Eameses used prototypes to explore new ideas and demonstrate the effectiveness of their design solutions. Located in Petaluma, California, the Eames Ranch serves as a prototype for regenerative agriculture, water conservation, and land stewardship.
Kazam! Magazine
At the Eames Institute, design is a way of seeing, thinking, acting, and reacting to the world around us. With Kazam! we explore the world through design.
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Artist as Art Form
In work that segues from gorgeous fields of color to everyday inanities, Daniel Eatock defies categories, proving he has one muse: the process itself.
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Everyday Evolution
To stop the human and ecological destruction caused by linear design, environmental educator and activist Sage Lenier advocates for more intersectionality, circularity, and learning new skills.
This link opens the post, "Everyday Evolution"
