Eames Children from Vitra

Eames Kids: Colourful Design Classics

Playful and colourful: The Hang It All coat rack epitomizes the design approach of Charles & Ray Eames

In addition to numerous design classics for office and living areas, Charles and Ray Eames also designed children's furniture and toys, works which today enjoy an equally great reputation in the design world. Throughout their career the designer couple influenced countless architects, designers and artists: and the approach of the renowned couple has always been playful. Ray & Charles Eames believed that toys could be a trailblazer of good ideas and inspired children with their designs as well as adults. The Swiss manufacturer Vitra, which produces Eames designer furniture as a licensed manufacturer, dedicated an entire exhibition to the theme in 2018 at the Vitra Design Museum Gallery in Weil am Rhein. "Play Parade" was intended to encourage visitors to interact directly with Eames classics and was the museum's first exhibition designed especially for children and families, but still allowing adult visitors to engage with the playful approach of the Eames'. The first toy designs of the Eames', which were produced in series, were colourful animal masks, which initially served as props at the theatre. Subsequently further Eames children's furniture such as the Eames Elephant gained notoriety, and can be found today as colourful companions in numerous children's rooms.