Pash Classics Blog

1. Mid-Century Advertisements that Live Up to All of the Clichés

Mid-century advertisements are fascinating. They're a unique glimpse in to the minds of the first consumer decade where the moral compass was sometimes off and everyone looked towards the future. AdSausage holds the greatest archive of these mid-century advertisements that cover just about any industry one can imagine, from clothing to tobacco and automobiles to cosmetics.

Don't let the amusing name put you off, it's one seriously interesting website. Below are four of our favourites that encompass the furniture section. Prepare to spend a long but intriguing time there...

Visit www.adsausage.com.

2. Video: Ted Talks - The Design Genius of Charles & Ray Eames

Eames Demetrios, the Eames couple's grandson, takes us on a journey to celebrate the life and career of history's most influential design duo. The Design Genius of Charles & Ray Eames video shows us rare footage and images in classic Ted Talks style.

Watch the video on YouTube here.

3. Eero Saarinen's Mysterious Work Designing Weapons for the CIA

While many were drafted for service during the Second World War, Eero Saarinen's story (just like every aspect of his life), is a little bit different. A Freedom of Information Act request from 2016 revealed that Saarinen worked for the Office of Strategic Services, which would later be renamed the CIA, to design weapons and buildings for the spy agency.

Read the story and view the original released documents here.

4. Our Favourite Instagram Account This Month: Mid-Century Home

Every month we bring you our favourite Instagram account with a mid-century twist. This month's is account, Mid-Century Home shows the very best homes, architects, designs and ideas for modern living.

Follow Mid-Century Home and become inspired here.

Out of all the designs synonymous with mid-century furniture, perhaps none are more revered and certainly none more influential on pop culture than Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair. The Pash Classics replica of this iconic design is available at a fraction of the cost of a Fritz Hansen version, from £559.

To give all of the answers to your burning questions and to delve in to the chair’s unique history, here’s Your Guide to the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair Replica.

History

Arne Jacobsen, son of a safety pin trader, was born in Copenhagen in 1902 and showed an extraordinary talent for drawing, sculpture and design from an early age. Originally intending to become a painter, he later decided that a career in architecture was a more sensible choice.

Whilst the leap from painter to architect may seem unusual, both mediums proved to give Jacobsen a platform for personal expression. One through playful creativity and the other through highly accurate drawings and designs.

In the mid 1950’s Jacobsen was commissioned to design every aspect of the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, from architectural design to furniture and even the cutlery used in the restaurants. In testament to Jacobsen’s progressive eye for design, the building would be the tallest in Denmark for an impressive reign of 19 years.

The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in 1961.

It was during this commission that the Egg Chair, and it's smaller sibling the Swan Chair, were born.

Whilst the Radisson has been updated and renovated many times during it's 60-year life, the hotel continues to be influenced by its creator with generous doses of Jacobsen’s iconic designs. However, if you’re looking for a truly mid-century experience, Room 606 remains untouched and in its original style. Bookable for 4900 DKK (around £590, or just more than the cost of a Pash Classics Egg Chair replica!).

Room 606 has been left in its original style and is still available for booking today.

The Egg Chair

Ever the one to push the boundaries of design, Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair brought many now common furniture design techniques in to the mainstream. The most notable of which is the moulded fibreglass shell which allows for a lightweight, yet incredibly strong unique shapes, the likes of which can’t be obtained with wood or steel.

This ground-breaking use of materials gave the chair its unique cocooning shape, which was inspired by Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair and designed to give people privacy in public areas, such as hotel lobbies.

Eero Saarinen's Womb Chair, the inspiration behind the Egg.

For a truly clean design, the Egg was originally upholstered in fabric with visible seams only surrounding the edge and underside. In other words, the chair’s visible seat front and back were clean and uninterrupted. This was considered an important feature given the chair’s 360° swivel mechanism, meaning the back is often as much of a feature as the front.

About the Pash Classics Replica

Pash Classics Egg Chair & Ottoman Replica.

At Pash Classics, we like to keep our replicas as faithful as possible whilst ensuring the highest quality in build and materials. All without the exceptionally high price tag. Here’s a quick run-down of what makes the Pash Classics Egg Chair Replica so special:

• Built using a quality moulded fibreglass shell.
• Hand stitched upholstery in wool, cashmere or full grain Italian leather.
• Compliant with U.K. Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations.
• No seams on the seat front or back.
• 360° swivel.
• Polished stainless-steel base with plastic glides to protect floors.
• Matching ottoman available.
• Free U.K. delivery and hassle-free returns.

You can shop and browse all of the colours and upholsteries available in the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair here.

The Egg Chair available in hand stitched full grain Italian leather.

Mid-Century modern is as alive and well today as it was 70 years ago and its extent continues to reach all four corners of the globe. To help provide your fix of this iconic design movement straight to your screen we find the best to read, watch and experience every month. Welcome to our August Mid-Century Roundup.

1. See How the Design of Chairs, Beds and Sofas Have Evolved Through History

With evidence suggesting that furniture was first used as far back as 12,000 years ago, it's time we brushed up on our historical furniture knowledge. From the Ancient Greeks to contemporary Minimalism, these handy animations by Angie's List show us furniture's fascinating journey. See the evolution here.

From Egypt to the West. The evolution of Chairs.

2. London Art Exhibitions You Have to See This Autumn

As the weather slowly turns colder and the nights draw in, a day out in London can no longer be spent sunbathing in parks and eating al-fresco. At such a time of year there's only one thing for it; find a gallery and experience a day of world class art. Go London has provided the perfect guide to London's art exhibitions this autumn. From the iconic Tate Modern to the lesser known gem of the Victoria Miro Gallery, there's a wide diversity of exhibitions to explore.

What's on your list to visit? Explore here.

Yayoi Kusama's Infinity exhibition surrounds you in an endless sea of yellow pumpkins.

3. Our favourite Instagram page this month: Destination Eichler

Interior design duo Karen and John Eichler showcase their inspiring Mid-Century modern home and their professional works with the Instagram account Destination Eichler.

Enjoy and follow Destination Eichler on Instagram.

Destination Eichler's Mid-Century inspired interior.

4. Harry Bertoia's Sound Sculptures

If you're reading this you've probably heard of Harry Bertoia. The designer of the Diamond Chair is regarded as one one of the most influential Mid-Century designers and sculptors. But did you know that Bertoia also produced a range of sound sculptures? They utilised the same materials and style as his furniture range, but were designed to produce a range of musical notes that give a rather unique sound.

The two videos below showcase the sound of Harry Bertoia's Sonambient Barn. Click the images below to view each video on Youtube:

Click to watch Harry Bertoia Sonambient Barn on Youtube.

Click to watch Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture Barn Motion Study on Youtube.

As much a piece of sculptural art as functional furniture, the Noguchi Coffee Table is one of Mid-Century’s most iconic and admired designs. In fact, it is so well celebrated that a Herman Miller version costs in excess of £1400. Whilst that might not seem like much for something that is considered a piece of art, it certainly goes against the Mid-Century philosophy of great design being accessible to all.

Noguchi Coffee Table by Maegan Tintari.

Lucky for those of us whom appreciate this inspirational table, the Pash Classics replica is available for a fraction of the price, at £299. This guide gives you all of the information you ever wanted to know about the table’s designer Isamu, and the Noguchi Coffee Table replica.

Isamu Noguchi, more than just a furniture designer.

Isamu Noguchi

Born in 1904 in Los Angeles to Japanese descent, Isamu Noguchi would go on to be widely respected in the sculpture, landscape architecture and set design fields over his six-decade long career. He would also collaborate on a book with Charles Eames and George Nelson to produce what is widely considered to be history’s most influential body of modern furniture and featured his iconic Coffee Table.

This respected career began at the age of 8 when his mother had a house built for them and his sister in Yokohama. Nurturing his artistic ability, she appointed the young Isamu in charge of the garden and apprenticed him to a local carpenter.

6 years later he moved back to the U.S. where he expressed his true desire to become and artist. From here he apprenticed with Mount Rushmore creator Gutzon Borglum and went on to take night classes at the Leonardo da Vinci Art School. Noguchi’s talents were soon noticed by the school’s head with his first exhibit, a collection of plaster and terracotta works, being held only 3 months later.

With his career now built on strong foundations, the aspirational artist spent the following years travelling to and selling sculptural busts from Paris, Asia and New York. Isamu even volunteered as a carpenter at the Japanese Internment Camps during World War 2 where he designed baseball fields, swimming pools and cemeteries.

IBM Headquarters gardens designed by Isamu Noguchi

The increased acceptance of Japanese Americans post WW2 allowed for Isamu to continue his career, designing in a wide range of mediums. Some of his most notable works include Moerenuma Park in Sapporo Japan, gardens for the IBM headquarters and Bayfront Park in Miami, also designing stage sets for modern dancer Martha Grahamand, several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces.

A sculpture in Bayfront Park by Isamu Noguchi

About the replica.

With an impressive life that has contributed significantly to the world of architecture and design, it only seems right that we at Pash Classics do justice to one of Noguchi’s most recognisable designs. That’s why we have kept as close to the original design as possible and ensure each piece is built to the high standards you expect. So, let’s get to it:

• The table top is created from 19mm thick tempered glass for maximum structural support and strength.
• Two sculptural pieces of solid wood form the iconic base. Choose from real wood veneers in oak, walnut or ebony black.
• A metal anchor pin joins the two base pieces together and ensures maximum stability.
• In keeping with the original seamless design, the tempered glass top is not fastened to the base. Instead, the glass’ own weight secures these pieces together.
• Each table comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee against faults as standard.
• Free UK mainland delivery on every order.

Ready for more? You can see dimensions and shop the Pash Classics Noguchi Coffee Table Replica here.

Looking for inspiration?

Sometimes it’s hard to visualise exactly how these classic designs could work in your home. That’s why we’ve created a Pinterest board showing you the very best interiors featuring the Noguchi Coffee Table.

View the Pash Classics Noguchi Coffee Table Pinterest board here and be sure to follow us for the very best in Mid-Century inspiration.

Explore our selection of the best mid-century gems from across the internet. Whether you're looking to get inspired, learn something new or if you are simply curious about the history behind your furniture, there's always something that tickles your fancy. Explore this month's selection below:

1. America meets Charles & Ray Eames

Arlene Francis, host of NBC's "Home" show, introduced Charles and Ray Eames to television audiences in 1956. In this short video, that also unintentionally highlights the change in perception of females designers, learn about what made the design duo tick and their iconic designs.

Watch America meets Charles & Ray Eames here.

Click to watch America Meets Charles & Ray Eames

2. From Vertigo to Psycho, how Hitchcock changed the role of architecture in film

Alfred Hitchcock may be well known as the most influential director of cinema, but it is sometimes forgotten how his career in film began: as a set designer. This article by Wallpaper Magazine explores how Hitchcock used architecture and set design to enhance his stories.

Read more: From Vertigo to Psycho, how Hitchcock changed the role of architecture in film.

Midge’s apartment: Vertigo. (Paramount, 1958)

3. Our favourite Instagram page this month: The Frost House

When it comes to finding interior inspiration, you could do a lot worse than to turn to Instagram. Our favourite account of the month is The Frost House; The account shows the stunning interior of a lived in 1960's mid-century modern home. If you're wondering how you can style your next piece of mid-century furniture, this is the account to follow.

Enjoy and follow The Frost House on Instagram.

The Frost House: Our favourite Instagram profile this month.

4. Dries Van Noten pays homage to Verner Panton with colourful SS19 collection

In direct homage to the late Danish designer Verner Panton, Dries Van Noten has adorned his Spring/Summer 2019 collection with a selection of Panton's psychedelic and ever so 60's prints. Featuring his love of swirling S shapes and bold use of colour (which directly influenced the Panton Chair), we find the collection surprisingly wearable and incredibly eye catching.

Read Dezeen's report and view the whole image gallery at: Dries Van Noten pays homage to Verner Panton with colourful SS19 collection

Verner Panton inspired designs by Dries Van Noten.

Out of all the dining chairs that have ever been designed, how many do you remember? I would assume it’s a handful at best. However, I’m certain that of that handful two would be Eames Dining Chairs. More specifically whether you know them by name of not, these would be the Eames DSW and the Eames DAW.

The Eames DAW Chair

They’re two of the most recognisable designs that have ever been created for the home and fly in the same circles as the Polaroid Camera and the ballpoint pen. But there’s more to Charles and Ray Eames’ timeless dining chairs than meets the eye; The collection is an impressive range of interchangeable seat tops, leg styles, colours and function.

To help you familiarise yourself, here’s your guide to Eames Dining Chairs.

The Inspiration Behind the Chairs

Charles and Ray Eames began their venture in to furniture design in the early 1940’s, when furniture was commonly made from wood or metal, was often hand crafted, slow to produce and relatively expensive. Their goal was to create furniture that was affordable with Charles stating, ‘we want to make the best for the most for the least.’.

However, before their vision was succeeded, the United States of America entered the war and a shift in the need for military equipment began. Ever functionally conscious, the duo turned their efforts towards designing and creating veneered plywood leg splints for injured soldiers in a process not too dissimilar to their later wooden dining chair designs.

The Charles Eames Leg Splint

After the war ended the Eameses saw another opportunity for low cost functional design that would ultimately propel them in to the limelight of popular culture and change the way people styled their homes forever. With the plastic and fibreglass DAW chair they entered the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design. The chairs were highly regarded as the ideal way to solve America’s low-cost furniture requirements.

In 1946 their designs were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan and from there the range quickly expanded. A side chair variation of the DAW was created to form the beloved DSW alongside an expanding range of base options which included the Eiffel Chair, the wire base and the rocker base.

Bauhaus may have pioneered function, but the Eameses made it mainstream.

How are the Eames Dining Chairs made?

"What works good is better than what looks good because what works good lasts”, claims Ray. Combine this ethos with their vision of affordable design and we begin to understand why their use of moulded plastics has become such a characteristic of Eames designs. Originally crafted from Zenaloy (a plastic and fibreglass mixture formed by the US Army during World War 2), the chairs, including Pash Classics’ replicas, are now formed from an injection moulded ABS or Polypropylene plastic which is chosen for its strength, flexibility, easy malleability and ease to produce.

The moulded plastic Eames DAW Chair

This use of plastics has also allowed for an iconic range of colours to be developed. Originally available in only greige, elephant-hide grey and parchment, the Pash Classics Eames dining chair replicas now come in 24 colours, so they truly can be used in any interior.

Taking inspiration from their leg split and standing out from the Eames crowd thanks to their all wooden build are the and DCW and LCW chairs. These striking living and dining chairs are built from layers of veneered plywood which is moulded in to organic shapes that are meant to be enjoyed from every angle.

Eames LCW and DCW wooden chairs.

What Do the Acronyms Mean?

So much so was Eames’ commitment towards simplicity and therefore affordability that the names of their dining chair ranges were condensed into acronyms for easy reference. Each letter refers to a main element of the chair: The height, the style and the base material:

DSW: Dining (height) Side (chair) Wood (base)

DAW: Dining (height) Arm (chair) Wood (base)

DSR: Dining (height) Side (chair) Rod (base)

DAR: Dining (height) Arm (chair) Rod (base)

DCW: Dining (height) Chair Wood (base)

LCW: Living (height) Chair Wood (base)

DKR: Dining (height) Wire (K used for wire) Rod (base)

RAR: Rocking (height) Arm (chair) Rod (base)

The Legacy Continues

Since their creation in the 40’s and 50’s, Eames chairs have been adorning the homes of those who understand the careful balance between function and style across the globe. Their influence on the world of design shows no sign of slowing down.

The full range of Eames Dining Chairs are available at Pash Classics.

Rarely a day goes by without a new revelation or discovery in the world of mid-century modern furniture and design. The month of June was no exception. This month we have rounded up our favourites which include some amazing archive footage and a reincarnation of one of the past-century's most iconic buildings. Take a read below and click the links to explore further:

1. Eames House Walkthrough

Charles and Ray Eames may be best known for their iconic range of plastic moulded dining chairs, but they also broke new ground within architecture circles. The Eames House (romantically known as Case Study House No. 8), was designed by the pair in 1949. The Eames House Walkthrough video was recorded in 1997 by Eames Demetrios and offers you the chance to see inside and outside this magnificent home.

Watch Eames House Walkthough here.

Watch Eames House Walkthrough

2. Arne Jacobsen's Royal Hotel Reincarnated

Hotels that you can take design inspiration from and apply to your own interiors are few and far between. Many hotels look great, but their interiors just don't work in a day to day home. We think, however, that an update to Arne Jacobsen's Radisson Collection Hotel in Copenhagen challenges this by bringing us suite interiors that are cosy whilst remaining extremely stylish in true mid-century fashion. The collection of new suites was designed by Space Copenhagen to reincarnate the golden age of jet travel.

Take inspiration from the images at Revolution 606: The world's first design hotel, Arne Jacobsen's Royal Hotel, reincarnated for a new generation...

3. 11 London Cocktail Bars Quenching Our Thirst

Wallpaper has found 11 of the best and most stylish bars in London. We love this list because each bar takes design cues from some of the mid-cenutyr's most unforgettable trends. Now to visit them all...

Read 11 London Cocktail Bars Quenching Our Thirst

4. Artwork on Eames Chairs

Shepard Fairy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Futura have given the Eames DSW and DSR chairs a contemporary art update for an LA exhibition titled Beyond The Streets. Will the chairs featured give you the inspiration to create your own chair art?

Read Shepard Fairey and Keith Haring artworks applied to mid-century chairs to find out.

Whether you’re a long-time admirer, or if you’re just starting to explore the world of Charles and Ray Eames’ furniture, it’s hard to ignore the way their iconic designs help to radiate joy and increase the functionality of every room in the house. However, it’s also quite hard to forget just how much thought was put in to creating furniture for our second home: the office.

Over their 50-year career, the design duo developed many chairs that would become office design icons, such as the ‘so New York’ ES104 Executive Office Chair. But it’s the modest Eames Aluminium Group chairs that have really stood the test of time and eased so many into a productive day at work.

The EA117 and EA119. Also known as the Aluminium Group

So, what exactly is the Eames Aluminium Group and why are they still recognised as some of the best office chairs around?

Origins

One could be forgiven for thinking that the chairs were born out of the advertising offices of Maddison Avenue, as a way to let executives work in comfort for an ungodly number of hours a day. But you’d be wrong. In the 1950’s Eero Saarinen and Alexander Girard were designing The Miller House in Indiana. This magnificent build required furniture to suit, but more specifically they wanted Charles and Ray Eames to design high quality outdoor chairs.

The Miller House where the Aluminium Group was commissioned.

The duo set to work and created a range of reclining aluminium chairs upholstered in a synthetic mesh. As their popularity began to increase in the world of furniture design, a demand for these chairs to become suitable for office use was born. In 1958, some tweaks were made and the EA117 Chair was born, with its high-backed brother the EA119 coming shortly after.

The Eames Aluminium group once converted for office use.

Materials

Forever conscious with their use of build material and upholsteries, Eames designed the EA117 and EA119 with a cast aluminium frame which supported a stretched mesh fabric seat and back. Over the years the structural design has remained, but with updates to the upholstery to make it even more comfortable.

The original upholstery: Synthetic mesh.

The original aluminium frame construction with stretched wool upholstery.

At Pash Classics you’ll find a choice of the original synthetic mesh, full grain Italian leather or luxurious wool. All perfectly in keeping with the original design.

Ergonomics

When the group transitioned from outdoor use to that of office spaces, Charles and ray Eames went back to the drawing board and gave both chairs some vital updates. Not by accident, these modifications have given the Aluminium group their status as extremely comfortable and ergonomic places to work;

Lockable Tilt: Need to sit up straight? Or want to lounge back and relax? Thanks to the EA117 and EA119’s lockable tilt mechanism, you can find a posture that suits at the pull of a lever.

360 Degree Swivel: One of the most basic functions of an office chair can be traced back to the mid-century thanks to designers like Charles and Ray Eames.

Adjustable Height: Have you ever come across desks that are the same height? It happens, but it’s a rarity. Luckily Eames utilised an innovative gas lift system which allows for easy chair height adjustment, without the need to pull, push or twist the chair.

When you combine all of these minor design revolutions, you have a chair that has remained at the forefront of ergonomic design for over 60 years.

Today

Even today it’s hard to see one of the Eames Aluminium Group chairs and see just another office chair. Their iconic style is a true archetype of mid-century design and a sure way to let the world know you care about where you sit. With the immerging popularity of working from home, you’re now just as likely to see an EA117 or EA119 at home as in the office.

So why not browse the wide selection of Pash Classics Eames Aluminium Group replicas that won’t break the bank? A better working day awaits!

Even today, in 2018, there's always something new to discover in the world of mid-century design. Every month we share with you our round up of the most interesting stories, images and videos from across the internet. Enjoy!

1. This month is rather special for lovers of mid-century furniture and architecture design. May 24th marks the 101st birthday of pioneering designer Florence Knoll. So what better way to start things off than 7 Things to Know About Mid-Century Design Pioneer Florence Knoll?

2. Architecture and furniture design go hand in hand, so much so that you almost can't have one without the other. One of our favourite mid-century architecture projects of the year is shown in all its glory at Ras-A Overhauls Mid-Century House Under a Bridge in LA. Keep an eye out for a few Eames chairs that really enhance the home's amazing design.

Photo by Lauren Moore

3. One of the reasons why we still love furniture of the 1950's and 60's is because of it's influence on pop culture. But it is easy to forget that this cultural influence may never have happened if it wasn't for the rapid accessibility of photography for the masses. This Man Collects Mid-Century Modern Cameras is an interesting video short from Gizmodo that shows some really amazing camera designs from the past 100 years.

This Man Collects Mid-Century Modern Cameras Video

4. From the most unlikely of places comes somethings rather interesting. GoCompare's Alternate Architecture shows how some of the world's most iconic architecture designs could have looked. The series of images includes the Sydney Opera House, the design of which was chosen by non other than Tulip Table designer Eero Saarinen.

Alternative Architecture by GoCompare

You’ve got the chair that makes a statement, the lighting is perfectly positioned, and the walls are painted your favourite shade of colour, but there’s something missing…

Storage is often overlooked in the home, especially when it comes to storage that is purchased as an investment. The right piece can last you a lifetime by sitting perfectly alongside your constantly evolving home interior and complementing all of the décor choices you make for years to come.

If there’s one style of furniture that fits the above criteria, it’s the mid-century sideboard. Made great by their simple rectangular shapes combined with natural wood finishes and ample amount of practical storage, mid-century is a style that isn’t going away any time soon. If you haven’t got thousands to spend on a vintage original piece, Pash Classics are here to help with the exclusive range of handmade mid century cabinets and sideboards at a surprisingly affordable price.

Here’s everything you wanted to know about the range:

Danish Inspired: No one designs wooden mid-century furniture quite like the Danes. Their key to success is through an appreciation of minimal design that doesn’t need to be changed every season, but instead works alongside your other furniture. Because of this, the Pash Classics range of sideboards are inspired by Danish design, so you too can invest in this classic look.

Handmade in Britain: The design is timeless, so it’s only right that the quality is too. By working with skilled local cabinet makers, every single Pash Classics Sideboard is crafted in our home country of Leicestershire by hand and made to order. Relax in the knowledge that your cabinet is made just for you.

Customisable: There are plenty of great designs to choose from such as the majestic Brunndal Sideboard or the geometric Elba Sideboard. But sometimes your space needs something a little bit more personal. That’s why we offer all of our cabinets in customisable colours and dimensions. Looking for on trend green doors? No problem, simply contact us to find out more.

Real Wood Veneer: A hallmark of mid-century design, multiple layers of MDF make up the solid structure to each sideboard with a high quality, real wood walnut or oak veneer exterior. Each piece is then protected with a lacquered coating.

How to style your sideboard: Versatility is the key to great design, and there’s almost no limit to the ways you can style your mid-century sideboard. Their larger size and grand appearance makes the dining room an ideal location, perfect for storing cutlery and seating candles. Offices and bedrooms are also great locations for the sideboard by giving extra storage for clothes or office supplies whilst giving a style upgrade to these often forgotten about rooms.

To stay perfectly on trend, adorn your sideboard with plenty of green plants. Shades of green are complemented by the real wood walnut veneer and help to bring the outdoors inside. Plant your greenery in terracotta pots for even more earthy tones.

You can browse the whole selection of mid-century sideboards at Pash Classics.