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Lot #652
Charles and Ray Eames Typed Letter Signed

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Estimate: $400+
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Description

American designers who were highly influential in the development of modern architecture and furniture; most notably remembered for their 'Eames' chairs. TLS signed “C" and "R,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, May 14, 1952. Letter to their friend, noted architect and designer Alexander Girard, whom they call "Sandro," in part: "I will be there Sunday about noon. Ray should be there a day before that. This all comes at a hell of a time, but I will have to come right back. Plan to spend Tuesday the 20th there…I got a cable from the devil Eero who will not be back in Detroit until the 22nd, by which time I will have to be on the way home. In our arrangements with the A.I.A. there has been no mention of dinners or cocktail parties beforehand—let's keep it that way. I told Mr Hughes that we would be staying with youse, so if he makes any moves toward dinner or stuff, put the Girard kibosh on him but quick." Charles has added a couple handwritten corrections in ink, and Ray has added a brief line in red pencil to the top, "Will call Sat. A.M. OK?" Handsomely matted and framed with a photo of the couple to an overall size of 21 x 18. In fine condition.

The recipient of this letter, designer Alexander 'Sandro' Girard was a life-long friend of the Eamses. In 1952, he became director of design for the textile division of Herman Miller (in Michigan), which also manufactured and marketed the Eameses furniture designs. Later Girard would be hired by Mary Wells and Frank Lawrence to redesign the airplanes of Braniff Airlines.

The mention of "the devil Eero" refers to architect Eero Saarinen. His father, the architect Eliel Saarinen, was the first president of the Cranbrook Academy. Eero collaborated with Eames on an early version of the plywood molded chair (for which they won a prize from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City).

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #633 - Ended April 13, 2022





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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