Eames Plywood Elephant re-issue

We got a tip from AT:LA reader Anita, that in celebration of the 100th birthday of Charles Eames, a limited anniversary edition fo the Eames Plywood Elephant is being produced. This legendary furniture sculpture was originally designed in 1945, but never made it to final production. There are only two known prototypes, only one remains in the Eames Family Archives.

The limited Anniversary Edition will be packaged in a special collector's box and the serial number of each one is engraved on a small aluminium plaque. It will ship in November, so they are taking pre-orders now. It's pricey (starting at around $1900, not including shipping) but orders made directly from the Eames Office will include a special surprise gift from the Eames Family. Find out more info here.

Comments (5)

I love these but Eames would be turning in their graves if they knew how much these were being sold for. They embodied and designed for the movement for affordable mass produced and impeccably designed furnishings and now their designs are being sold at prices that the average consumer would use for a down-payment on a vehicle.

I love Eames designed furnishings, and I am all about supporting the name, but I could not justify this sort of purchase or most of the Herman Miller reissues and classics. I purchased the eames Hang-It-All for $100 which was decent because I loved it so much....but I also purchased a replica Eames Plywood Lounge Chair that feels and looks just like the authentic......

Like I said, I love the works of the Eames but I have to be practical in what I spend my money for.....cuz that authentic design is not within my reach, babe....

posted by Keisha Kornbread on August 17th 2007 at 8:07am
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Sooo tempting... I'm picking up a zebra print rug this weekend and this elephant would look lovely around it.

I might have to hold off on getting an Arco lamp.

posted by meltendo on August 17th 2007 at 9:40am
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Keisha you are totally correct. The Eames would not allow this. How many children will have the "privilage" of playing on one of these? Very few, if any. I will not support HM these days. Not to mention Vitra as well. Seriously, sad. Almost 2k for plywood?

posted by Minicoop on August 18th 2007 at 9:32am
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This is along the lines of the La Chaise. That chair was designed for an affordable furniture competition, and now it sells for thousands of dollars. I love how one online retailer selling the La Chaise for over $8,000 merely mentions it was created for a competition, carefully omitting the affordable part. Imagine the profit margins. Sickening.

posted by zach_f on August 18th 2007 at 5:17pm
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Yeah, that is a bit pricey I have to agree, however, I do think superbly designed products (especially those made in America) made for the masses is something of a complete myth.

posted by Duncan on August 18th 2007 at 11:57pm
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