Charles & Ray Eames

Charle s (1907-1978) and his wife, Ray (1912-1988) designed some of the most important examples of 20th century furniture. An ethos of functionalism informed all of their furniture designs. "What works is better than what looks good," Ray said. "The looks good can change, but what works, works." the Eames experimented with materials by creating furniture in fibreglass, plastic, aluminium and, for the 1956 Lounge Chair, leather and a very opulent plywood. The Lounge became an icon of the 1960s and 1970s - no ambitious executive had made it until there was one in his (or very occasionally) her office.