Aluminum Group Executive Chair, 1958
Vitra, Switzerland (for Europe)

Designer
Charles & Ray Eames

Material
Leather, die-cast aluminum, polished or chrome-plated

Dimensions
W 58.5 cm, H 108 cm, D 43 cm

Aluminum Group chairs were originally developed in 1958 as a special project by Charles and Ray Eames for a private residence being designed by Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard. At the time, the furniture was called the "leisure group," or "indoor-outdoor group" since it was meant to address the lack of quality outdoor furniture on the market. The seat-back suspension was a major technical achievement and represented a departure from the concept of the chair as a solid shell. Wonderfully comfortable, the chairs became the basis for several other Eames designs, including the Soft Pad chairs.

Unique suspension: A continuous piece of seat-back upholstery is stretched tautly between aluminum side ribs, creating a firm and flexible sitting pocket that subtly conforms to the body's shape. Sitting comfort: Aluminum Group chairs have layered vinyl cushioning inside fabric or leather upholstery; Soft Pad models add 2-inch-thick foam cushions for comfort and a different look. Cygnus mesh material. This self-contouring, flexing material is available on Aluminum Group chairs to provide aeration, even weight distribution, and long-term comfort; Cygnus was specifically designed for Eames Aluminum Group as an elegant option.