For sale today are two quite rare pieces of Eames history. The Eames La Fonda side chairs were essentially an adaptation of the fiberglass plastic chair series, commissioned by Alexander Girard for a new Mexican restaurant in the Time Life Building in New York that opened in 1961. The chairs were then simultaneously released for sale via the Herman Miller catalog of the same year.

Although the series was an adaptation of the existing plastic eames chairs, the design brief of the La Fonda series had two distinctive conditions. Firstly, Girard stipulated that the chairs must not be higher than the height of the table top, thus resulting in them being hidden from view. The second stipulation came from Charles, in that he wanted a pedestal base that contained multiple columns.

The result was a beautiful, almost ‘squashed’ smaller top that had essentially been reduced in height by 3 inches, standing atop a multi-columned special aluminium base that really defined the overall look of this series of chairs.

Please see all pictures. These chairs have been loved. Chipping gunmetal paint on the bases, some gouges/small stains in the fiberglass. One chair is missing the original feet. Please ask questions if you have them!

Local pick up available in Manchester NH. Delivery available all over New England for a fee.