In their home, Charles and Ray Eames loved to surround themselves with their extensive collection of folk art and objects found during their travels. Almost everything they collected was related to aspects of design and form. The Eameses organized and decorated their living space with great seriousness and tremendous joy, making the Eames House an ever-changing collage and reflection of their life.
As Ray once said, “We never collected anything just as collectors, but because something was inherent in the piece that made it seem like a good idea to be looking at.”
A prominent feature of the Eames collection was the Eames House Whale: this anonymous work of North American folk art is nearly 6 feet in length. Charles and Ray Eames were exceptionally fond of the painted object and it occupied a permanent place in the Eames Office. It was also frequently used in photo shoots — such as the first photos of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
The Eames Office is proud to collaborate with our longtime partner, Vitra, to produce a hand-painted replica of this beloved whale.
