Special Use Table, “La Fonda” Base
c. 1960
This unique design was likely assembled for use within the Eames Office at 901 Washington Boulevard in Venice, California. Its four-columned pedestal base is made of white-coated cast aluminum. The base was originally designed for the chairs that the Eameses designed at the request of their close friend Alexander Girard for the La Fonda del Sol restaurant, which opened in 1961 within the Time and Life Building in New York City. To repurpose a design element in this way was typical of the Eameses, who greatly valued the benefits of interchangeable parts, while also always seeking ways to bring warmth and personalization into their designs. This table epitomizes both concerns, as it pairs the mass-produced base with a simple plank of wood that Ray wrapped in sumptuous book binding paper. This kind of paper was a familiar sight in the Eames Office, as the Eameses collected fine papers from around the world, which Ray and a select team carefully organized and were used by the office in a variety of ways, including models, mock-ups, and exhibit displays.
- Manufacturer: Office of Charles and Ray Eames
- Medium:Marbled paper, plywood, aluminum, nylon
- Dimensions:18 x 29 3/4 x 17 5/8 in. (45.7 x 75.6 x 44.8 cm)
- Design Date:c. 1960
- Item:2019.2.197
