Iconic Charles & Ray Eames 1956 Edition 'RAR' Rocking Chair by Herman Miller
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The RAR (Rocking Armchair Rod) rocker, with its organic shell, integrated armrests, and progressive use of fibreglass, was Charles and Ray Eames first commercial success. The prototype was designed for MoMA's low-cost furniture competition in 1948, where it won first prize. It is now recognised as one of the defining classics of modern design.
With a grand sense of adventure, the Eames' turned their curiosity and boundless enthusiasm into creations that established them as a truly great husband-and-wife design team. This authentic 'RAR' Rocking Chair is a brilliant example of the refined, playful and highly functional furniture designed by this incredible couple.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Iconic Charles & Ray Eames 1956 Edition 'RAR' Rocking Chair by Herman Miller
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Bernice Alexandra "Ray" Kaiser (1912-1988) met Charles Eames (1907-1978) while studying at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They married in 1941 and together played a pivotal role in shaping the modern design landscape.
The couple is best known for their iconic furniture designs for Herman Miller, particularly the 1956 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Model 670 and 671), which has become a symbol of mid-century modern design. They embraced new materials and technologies, such as molded plywood and fiberglass, to create innovative and functional furniture pieces that were both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
In addition to their work in furniture design, Charles and Ray Eames made significant contributions to architecture. They were involved in the design of the Case Study Houses, a post-World War II residential design program aimed at creating affordable and innovative housing. Their own home, the Eames House in Los Angeles, is a prime example of their modernist design principles and serves as a testament to their creativity and vision.
The Eameses were also pioneers in the field of industrial design, creating a wide range of products, including toys and office furniture. Their interest in film led them to produce numerous short films, including the famous "Powers of Ten," a groundbreaking exploration of scale that remains influential in science and design education.
Charles and Ray Eames left an enduring legacy, not only through their designs but also through their approach to interdisciplinary collaboration and the belief that good design should be accessible to the masses. Their work continues to inspire designers, architects, and creative minds around the world, and their impact on 20th-century design is immeasurable.
