Early LCW Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller / Evans Products, USA, 1947–1950
Few chairs have shaped the history of modern furniture as profoundly as the LCW (Lounge Chair Wood), designed by Charles and Ray Eames and introduced by Herman Miller in 1946.
This early example was produced by the Evans Products Company, the pioneering molded plywood division that manufactured the first generation of Eames furniture between 1947 and 1950. The original Evans label remains intact beneath the seat, confirming production during the highly sought-after pre-1950 period.
The LCW is widely regarded as one of the most important furniture designs of the twentieth century. Developed from the Eameses' wartime experiments with molded plywood, the chair introduced a new approach to comfort and industrial production through organically shaped components and innovative shock-mounted construction.
This example retains its original finish and presents a rich, honest patina accumulated over more than seven decades. The molded plywood surfaces display beautiful variations in tone, subtle wear, scattered scratches, and age-related markings that reflect a lifetime of use while preserving the authenticity collectors seek. The chair has never been disassembled and remains complete with its original hardware, shock mounts, and structural components.
The original rubber shock mounts have naturally dried with age and show visible cracking, a common characteristic of early Evans-produced examples. They remain functional and the chair is fully usable.
An increasingly difficult model to source in untouched condition, this early Evans-produced LCW represents an important piece of American design history and a cornerstone of any serious Eames collection.
Designer: Charles & Ray Eames
Manufacturer: Herman Miller / Evans Products Company
Model: LCW (Lounge Chair Wood)
Country: United States
Period: 1947–1950
Materials: Molded plywood, likely birch veneer, rubber shock mounts, metal hardware
Color: Natural wood finish
Condition: Good vintage condition with original patina
Authentication: Original Evans Products Company label present
Dimensions
- Height: 67cm
- Width: 56cm
- Depth: 62cm
- Seat Height: +/- 30cm