Charles and Ray Eames model ES 102, Intermediate Swivel Chair for Herman Miller

Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, set of two chairs, model ES 102 Intermediate Swivel Chair, brown fabric, cast aluminium frame, United States, 1968 - 1973.

“Those who come across an Eames Intermediate Chair on the vintage market have found a real treasure.”

From the article published on Vitra.com on the 16.09.2016, first published on eamesoffice.com.

Stunning rare pair of ES 102 Intermediate Swivel Chair designed in 1967 by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller exclusively from 1968 to 1973.
This rare duo unlike many of Charles and Ray Eames’ designs, is not part of a furniture group. Aside from upholstery options (here offered in original brown fabric upholstery), the only configurations for the design were with or without arms (offered without arms in this configuration) and a stationary or swivel seat (swivel seat in this configuration). The unique cast aluminium frame was only suitable for a desk chair. The ‘antler’ shaped stretcher under the seat fits through holes in the horizontal portions of the frame.

Charles and Ray called this design “intermediate” because it was intermediate in price and weight compared to other Eames chairs. It weighed more, had more padding, and was more expensive than the Eames Aluminum Desk Chair. It costs less than the Eames Executive Chair because it was not as heavy and didn’t have that design’s multiple hand-tufted pads.
In 1973, the Eames Office and Herman Miller decided to discontinue production of the Eames Intermediate Chair. It was made redundant by the success of the Eames Soft Pad Group of 1969.
The cast aluminium frame has age-related wear and marks while the original brown fabric upholstery is in good used condition.
A truly great and rare collectible of American design history.

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Charles and Ray Eames were an influential husband-and-wife design team who significantly shaped modern design during the mid-20th century. Charles (1907–1978) had a background in architecture, while Ray (1912–1988) was an artist. Together, they created iconic furniture pieces, such as the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, known for their innovative use of materials like molded plywood and fibreglass. The Eameses' multidisciplinary approach extended beyond furniture design to architecture, films, and exhibitions. Their work is characterised by a harmonious blend of functionality, simplicity, and aesthetic appeal, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire designers worldwide.