Charles Ormond Eames, Jr

June 17, 1907 – August 21, 1978  

"Charles was born the nephew of St. Louis architect William S. Eames. By the time he was 14 years old, while attending high school, Charles worked at the Laclede Steel Company as a part-time labourer, where he learned about engineering, drawing, and architecture (and also first entertained the idea of one day becoming an architect). 

Charles briefly studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis on an architectural scholarship. After two years of study, he left the university. Many sources claim, with little evidence, that he was dismissed for his advocacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and his interest in modern architects. There have been claims that "In the report describing why he was dismissed from the university, a professor wrote the comment 'His views were too modern.'"

Charles Eames was greatly influenced by the Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen (whose son Eero, also an architect, would become a partner and friend). Together with Eero Saarinen he designed prize-winning furniture for New York's Museum of Modern Art "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" competition.  Their work displayed the new technique of wood moulding (originally developed by Alvar Aalto), that Eames would further develop in many moulded plywood products, including, bedside chairs, the Eames Lounger and other furniture, splints and stretchers for the U.S. Navy during World War II."

Source:  Wikipedia  

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