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Form Follows Formulation

DSR

Charles Eames, Ray Eames

1957

This example of an early Side Shell on its base is remarkably undamaged. The early Side Shells were thin and prone to cracking along the edges where the back extends from the seat. This example is so thin that the back can easily be flexed with just the soft touch of a hand. The DSR base was also the lightest base at the time, making this chair nine pounds—two pounds lighter than Side Shells on the other four-legged bases. The naming convention for the chairs breaks down very simply as three letters to indicate the height (dining, medium), the chair (side, wire), and the base (X for four-legged, S for stacking, and C for cast aluminum). DSR stands for Dining (height) Side (chair) Rod (base).

“OCT 9 1957” is printed on the underside of the chair in black ink.

  • Manufacturer: Herman Miller, Inc.
  • Medium:Fiberglass, steel wire
  • Dimensions:31 1/4 x 18 1/2 x 22 in. (79.4 x 47 x 55.9 cm); Seat height: 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm); Weight: 9 lb. (4.1 kg)
  • Design Date:1952
  • Item:2021.41.1