In the Pash Classics catalogue, there are many pieces that make excellent Christmas gifts but one in particular always makes us smile. The Eames elephant is one of a family of animals including frogs, seals and bears, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1940s, that are sort-of-stools and sort-of-toys and sort-of-decorations, too.
Originally made in moulded plywood, the elephant proved too difficult to mass produce until a limited edition was created a few years ago. It generated so much interest that it was soon followed by colourful, hardwearing polypropylene versions like ours, suitable for both indoor or outdoor use. Pash Classics’ version is available in vibrant hues of blue, green, pink, red, black and white.
Anyone familiar with the work of the Eames will know that there is a definite spirit of playfulness that runs through everything that they do but the elephant is perhaps the epitome of this. It is just huge fun. Also, it is testament to the Eames genius. With a just a few flat planes and curves, the majesty and charm of an elephant are given full effect. It is no wonder that kids really love this design.
Of course, if you buy an Eames elephant for one of the children in your life, they probably won’t much care that it is a superbly spirited piece by some of the 20th century’s most renowned designers. What they will quickly identify, though, is that it is a great present.
