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Collections

Charles Eames
ESU (Eames storage unit), 400 seriescirca 1949; manufactured 1950-1955

Not on view
Freestanding modular shelving unit with silver metal pole frame, honey-toned wood shelves, and colored panels in red, yellow, navy, and cream, with three yellow-fronted drawers at center
Designer
Charles Eames
United States, active United States, California, Venice, 1907-1978
Designer
Ray Eames
United States, active United States, California, Venice, 1912-1988
Design Firm
Eames Office
United States, California, Venice, 1941-1988
Manufacturer
Herman Miller Furniture Company
United States, Michigan, Zeeland, founded 1923
Title
ESU (Eames storage unit), 400 series
Place Made
United States
Date Made
circa 1949; manufactured 1950-1955
Medium
Zinc-plated steel, birch-faced and plastic-coated plywood, lacquered particle board, rubber
Dimensions
69 x 47 x 16 in. (175.26 x 119.38 x 40.64 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Sid Avery and Mr. James Corcoran
Accession Number
M.86.105
Classification
Furnishings
Collecting Area
Decorative Arts and Design
Curatorial Notes

This storage unit was designed shortly after Charles and Ray Eames completed their renowned home in Pacific Palisades. The Eameses built their house entirely of standardized steel columns and joists, significantly reducing construction costs. Like the house, the Eames Storage Units were modular and expandable, and were made of off-the-shelf parts.



(California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way," 2011-12)

Selected Bibliography
  • Kaplan, Wendy, ed. Living in a Modern Way: California Design, 1930-1965. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2013.
Selected Exhibition History
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". October 1, 2011 - June 3, 2012
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". October 1, 2011 - June 3, 2012
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". March 20, 2013 - June 3, 2013
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". March 20, 2013 - June 3, 2013
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". July 6, 2013 - September 29, 2013
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". July 6, 2013 - September 29, 2013
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". November 2, 2013 - February 9, 2014
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". November 2, 2013 - February 9, 2014
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". March 29, 2014 - July 6, 2014
  • California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way". March 29, 2014 - July 6, 2014