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<\/p>\n<\/span>An Original Eames Lounge And Ottoman From 1977<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, much of the Eames’ back catalogue has unfortunately been translated into fake versions. Given that the designs hold as much relevance today as they did at the time and are equally, if not more, sought after, it’s unsurprising. <\/p>\n According to The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity \u2013 a non-profit public charity set up to share the stories of Ray and Charles \u2013 a “booming” interest in mid-century design is a key factor in this enduring popularity. The Eames pieces universally signify good design taste without making too much of bold statement, making them suitable for a number of interiors. <\/p>\n “Ray and Charles Eames’ work has become beloved among fans of mid-century modernism and just about anyone who is passionate about well designed, high quality objects that stand the test of time,” says Daniel Ostroff, Head of Acquisitions & Research at The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity.1 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>2 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>3 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>4 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>5 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>6 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span>7 of 7<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Illustrations by Catherine Potvin<\/span><\/p>\n Many of these fans are on the lookout for vintage pieces rather than buying new, Ostroff adds. Finding good ones, though, isn’t exactly easy. With all of this in mind, the institute has launched “An Eames of Your Own” \u2013 a detailed guide to buying and collecting the Eames furniture. To coincide with the guide, Ostroff shared some specific pointers with us: from what pieces hold their value best, to why buying replicas is a huge no-go.<\/p>\n Why do Eames pieces continue to be popular, so many decades after they were designed? <\/strong><\/p>\n Charles and Ray were keen observers of the material world. As one friend said, Charles and Ray had an \u201caffection for objects.\u201d They noticed that many of those goods which had the most inherent aesthetic appeal, were put together according to some basic, simple principles with only an incidental focus on appearance.<\/p>\n Some of these principles were honest use of material (whether it\u2019s wood or if it\u2019s plastic, don\u2019t pretend it’s otherwise, don\u2019t conceal connections, use durable humble materials, and a consistent focus on \u201cwhat must it do.\u201dThese are some of the things that were consistent among goods they admired, including their oft cited \u201chand axe.\u201dThey strived to achieve this quality in what they designed.<\/p>\n How well do the pieces hold their value, and are there any pieces in particular that hold their value the best?<\/strong><\/p>\n The less a collector does the better, especially if they have a piece in an original condition. Serious collectors want antiques that are as close as possible to the condition they were in when they left the hands of the maker, or the factory where the item was produced. At this point in history, collectors are focused on the earliest examples of plywood and plastic. <\/p>\n And indeed, Charles and Ray\u2019s early plywood and plastic was tremendously influential, and successful. However, Charles and Ray continuously, throughout their lives, tweaked their products to make them better.So the later examples, which are often very affordable, represent what Charles and Ray considered to be the best possible product for the consumer.<\/p>\n Can you share some specific examples of how to spot a fake?<\/strong><\/p>\n As a collector, you want to find pieces that have their original bases, and there are some small details that can help you verify this, like the condition of the screws in the base. A shiny screw is suspicious. Invest in a small flashlight-size UV light. You can shine it on an antique, which should have a consistent glow to it. If, in UV light, one part or another glows brightly in contrast to the rest of the design, that bright glow is probably an indication of a repair or replacement part. <\/p>\n Other details are helpful in confirming authenticity: collectors have learned which chair leg glides are consistent with which era of chair manufacturing, for instance. With fiberglass chairs or molded plywood chairs, collectors will look closely at the shock mounts on the underside, because you can tell if the mounts are original and which base was originally married to that chair. If the shock mounts are dented in such a way that indicates it was once a stacking chair, and someone has put it on a rocking base, I would call that a Frankenstein chair, and I’d stay away from it. <\/p>\n Where would you suggest to go to buy vintage pieces?<\/strong><\/p>\n It is often smarter when you are a beginning collector to spend more money to buy from an established dealer with years of experience, than to buy a bargain from someone who doesn\u2019t know much or who won\u2019t tell you much about what they are selling. The best dealers want educated customers.<\/p>\n Be suspicious of dealers who won\u2019t answer sincere and detailed questions about various aspects of what they are selling. Also, you can sometimes buy from fellow collectors, who find themselves with duplicates or having more pieces on hand than they can afford to keep or store, and good collectors share what they know with others.<\/p>\n What would you say to deter people from buying replicas?<\/strong><\/p>\n Replicas are a poor investment; fakers overcharge for inferior goods. Authentic original examples will hold their value and possibly increase in value as time goes on. Some years ago a friend came to me with a suite of \u201cEames Soft Pad Chairs\u201d which he had purchased for his office. When he called me, I gave him hope that he could realize very good prices on the resale market for what he had. However, when I saw them in person, it was clear that they were fakes.He ended uphaving to pay someone to haul them away; the fakes had no resale value. Presumably you are buying an Eames chair because you appreciate its various qualities; those qualities are imitated, but not duplicated in a fake.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2023%2F08%2Feames-institute-of-infinite-curiosity-buying-vintage-furniture-guide-3.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n“The less a collector does the better”<\/q><\/p>\n
“Stay away from ‘Frankenstein’ chairs”<\/q><\/p>\n
“Replicas are a poor investment; fakers overcharge for inferior goods”<\/q><\/p>\n