Original Vintage Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437

Original Vintage Eames Soft Pad EA 437 Executive Chair in Leather by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1980’s 2nd generation

 

This is an Eames Aluminium Group Executive-Height Soft Pad Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968 with this specific chair manufactured in 1980’s

 

Charles & Ray Eames' great portfolio of work continues to be a source of inspiration for designers worldwide. One of their most recognisable designs is the Aluminium Group line for Herman Miller from which these Soft Pad Executive Chairs were born. It is said that the Soft Pad variation was a design accident - cushions from the Eames Chaise found themselves draped over an Aluminium Group chair, and the rest is history. This anecdote, whatever the story may be, highlights the unparalleled comfort provided by the Soft Pad series, a comfort that contends with that of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair.

 

The Soft Pad series offers a Lounge Chair, a Low Back Management Chair, and the featured High Back Executive Chair, echoing the design ethos of the Eames Aluminium Group with its singular “sling” of material held by two cast aluminium side rails, enhanced here by four plush cushions for supreme comfort. These chairs feature a tilt mechanism with tension control and a manual height adjustment.

 

The design features chocolate brown leather and a polished aluminium frame, the chair's design includes a five-star base on casters and chrome-plated aluminium armrests. It promises exceptional comfort with its leather cushions, adjustable seat height (ranging from 39 to 49 cm), and a tilt/swivel mechanism that adapts to the user's weight.

The chair showcases an innovative sling form with deep, luxuriously padded leather cushions, detailed with double-needle topstitching—a technique chosen by Charles and Ray for its durability, despite its complexity and the time it demands. This evolution from the Aluminum Group aims to merge sleek design with enhanced comfort.

 

Presented in its original chocolate brown leather, the chair is in very good vintage condition, displaying minimal wear and a rich patina that attests to its age and history. The supple leather makes it an ideal choice for both home office yet durable enough to withstand high traffic use in an office environment. 

 

Signed with manufacture label.

 

Dimensions : Height: 99-110 / Width: 58 / Depth: 57 / Seat height: 38,5 - 50 cm

 

Condition: Whilst it is in fine original condition, it is vintage, and as such the leather upholstery has patination commensurate with their age, the leather has been professionally cleaned, conditioned, and repaired where needed, mainly on the corners, though it doesn't compromise the piece's overall integrity, please see photos for details Priced accordingly.

 

Design Specifications: The design features a lightweight aluminum frame, and a 5-star aluminum base on casters. Their seats and backs have plush cushions, upholstered in original fine chocolate brown leather.

 

Charles and Ray Eames are revered not only for their aesthetic contributions but also for their pioneering approach to functionality and material use, merging cutting-edge techniques with classic design principles to create pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.

 

Read more here  

 

 

Charles & Ray Eames stand as a hallmark of modern design, their partnership becoming one of the most celebrated in the design world. Born in the early part of the 20th Century Charles and Ray Eames joined their lives in marriage in 1941 and set up their creative base in Los Angeles.  It was there they embarked on pioneering experiments with plywood, aiming

to mold it into three-dimensional forms to produce comfortable, yet affordable chairs.

Playful and fun, the Eames' had a great energy that lives through their iconic products today. "Take your pleasure seriously" was a favourite saying of Charles Eames.

 

In their creative universe, Charles and Ray Eames engaged both intellect and emotion in their design process. Transforming industrial materials into items of beauty and practicality, they designed high-quality products catering to a diverse range of needs and markets. Each creation embodied what Charles referred to as its 'way-it-should-be-ness,' reflecting their deep intuitive grasp and meticulous attention to detail regarding form, colour, and finishings.

 

 

 

We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.

 

 

Prices do not include delivery.

 

Cape Town delivery is calculated at check-out.

 

For delivery outside Cape Town please contact us. Delivery to these areas is quoted based on the item's dimensions. We can unfortunately not reserve any items until transport has been finalized.

 

We can arrange shipping in Cape Town and arrange or recommend courier for the rest of the country. 

For larger items, we work with an external service that can handle your delivery. Delivery is made by appointment and we make every effort to give you a 2-hour time window on the date of delivery.

​Please note that most shippers deliver alone so you may be expected to help on one end in bringing your piece inside. Please be aware that additional charges may apply in cases of access challenges, such as stairs, etc.

Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.

 

We deliver locally within Cape Town for a fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person.  Collections must be made within 7 days of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods. 

 

For local Cape Town deliveries: We provide a complimentary layer of bubble wrap in our packaging. However, for a more thorough and secure wrapping approach to guarantee the safe arrival of your item, we suggest opting for our comprehensive packaging solution. This solution encompasses multiple layers of bubble wrap, cardboard and foam as needed, and pallet wrap. There is an additional charge of R150-350, depending on the size of the item, to cover the cost of this enhanced service and materials. To arrange for this option, kindly get in touch with us via email: vintageclubhq@gmail.com

 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

 

As to be expected with vintage items, this item may have minor amounts of wear. All of our items are available to view prior to purchase.

Although all effort is made to lightly refurbish and clean our furniture to best represent their original state, it must be noted that the majority of the items we source date from before 1980’s. For this reason signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We try to point out any visible concerns. 

Please note that all items are described to the best of our ability, we strongly encourage our clients to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything. Please review all images as they are considered part of the item description. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

 

VINTAGE CONDITIONS:

excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips. 
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marks

Unfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf. 

Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.

Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).

After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier. 

Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R150 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.

 

For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town. 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

Our site uses a Secure 3D payment gateway provided by Peach Payments.
We accept all major credit cards and most debit cards. We also have an Instant EFT option, Mobicred, Payflex and FinChoicePay - Buy Now Pay Later payment solution.