Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Charles and Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter

Several other bloggers have mentioned the PBS airing of Charles and Ray Eames: The Architect and the Painter on December 19, 2011, and have told their readers that the full documentary film is available online. If you still haven't seen it, I thought I'd remind you again, because it's definitely worth viewing. Part of the American Masters series, the film explores the couple's artistic collaboration and their contribution to modern design and the computer age. It also takes an honest look at their love affair and their sometimes troubled marriage.

In interviews with former designers in the Eames Office, the film also explores the workings of the office, as well as the complex relationships within the team, including the mixed feelings of the other designers when Charles Eames received all the credit for their collaborative work. Also examined is the marginalization felt by Ray when she was publicly relegated to the status of "the woman behind the great man" instead of being treated as his equal.

This film gives a comprehensive look at the famous couple and the environment they created, both in their office and in their own home. It is a must-see for anyone who wants a view of Charles and Ray Eames as real flesh-and-blood people, not the idealized, sanitized, walk-on-water version we often get.

Ray and Charles Eames
nybooks.com

In news closer to home, we have obtained an Eames Sofa-Compact (sometimes simply called the Compact Sofa) in a trade with another dealer. It's similar to the one below, and you'll be seeing photos of the actual piece once we get moved into the new location. The design evolved from a built-in sofa in the Pacific Palisades home that Charles and Ray Eames designed for themselves in the 1940s. The freestanding version available now was first produced in 1954.

treadwaygallery.com
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17 comments:

  1. AtomicAngelicaJanuary 25, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    I think Mid2Mod should do a screening of this film at the store! BYOP (bring your own popcorn) :-)

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 1:07 AM

      That could be so much fun! Let's talk to Joe about it. Maybe we can do that in conjunction with our grand opening at the new location. :)

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    2. SudhaJanuary 25, 2012 at 2:52 PM

      that would be so cool...now i really wish i lived in TX :)

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    3. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:52 PM

      I keep saying we're going to have to hide you in Yoshee and Diana's trunk the next time the drive from Atlanta to Dallas. :)

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    4. SudhaApril 17, 2012 at 11:04 PM

      i 3ish i could do that before i move to india

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    5. Dana@Mid2ModApril 18, 2012 at 12:59 AM

      So you're definitely going back to India? When is this going to happen?

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  2. Ton S. January 25, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    I've saw the film last month and thought that it was very good. The Eames couple were Artistic geniuses in the real sense.

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  3. Ton S. January 25, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    Correction: "I saw the film..."
    It's 8:00 Am here and I need caffeine!

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:51 AM

      Even though I had it on my calendar, somehow I missed it last month when it aired. I'm so glad they made it so readily available online.

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  4. DearHelenHartmanJanuary 25, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    So cool. I hate it when sellers toss around the team Eames for everything they think is even a teensy bit of that era.

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      I hate that too. I want to scream when I see something by another famous designer and the seller doesn't have a clue...just calls it "Eames era."

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  5. jamie@midcenturymaniaJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    Thanks. I know what we'll be watching tonight..wish I lived closer so I could attend a screening with like minded Eames lovers. Sounds like a great idea.

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:54 AM

      I know...wouldn't it be fun if we could have a big party for all of our blog "regulars"?

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  6. John BachmanJanuary 25, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    Feel sad for Ray every time Charles got all the praise.

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 1:34 PM

      I feel equally sad for all their great designers who remain virtually unknown. I guess it takes a big ego to run an office as successful as theirs was.

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  7. SudhaJanuary 25, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    they are considered to be THE MCM icons...and though they are talented...its unfair to others who were equally if not more creative ..I always wanted one of their rosewood iconic man chair and ottoman..which is way beyond my reach anyday :P..so very happy with a skipper lounge and ottoman we have

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    1. Dana@Mid2ModJanuary 25, 2012 at 3:32 PM

      I admire their accomplishments, and there are some Eames pieces I'd love to own, but I agree that their exalted position as King and Queen of Mid-Century is unfair to some of the other immensely talented designers of the era.

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