Archetype Forms Moulded Fiberglass Armchair: Dowel Base

The Moulded Fiberglass Armchair: Dowel Base was first introduced as a concept by Charles and Ray Eames for the 1948 International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design, hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Originally made with a metal shell, it transitioned to moulded fiberglass in 1950, a material that allowed for lightweight, flexible, and mass-producible furniture.

The Eameses were leaders in adapting new materials to create practical, comfortable seating that was accessible to a wider audience.

The fiberglass shell is shaped to follow the body’s natural contours, offering support and comfort. Its dowel base, constructed from solid wood and supported by steel cross rods, blends warmth with structural integrity. This design is suitable for a variety of spaces, including dining rooms, living rooms, and home offices.

Key Features:

High-Quality Materials: The chair’s moulded fiberglass shell provides durability and comfort. The base combines solid wood dowels with steel rod supports for enhanced stability.

Ergonomic Comfort: A reclined seating position, high backrest, and integrated armrests ensure a relaxed seating experience.

Versatile Placement: Suitable for living rooms, reading corners, home offices, or dining areas.

Historical Significance: Reproduction of the original Charles and Ray Eames 1950 DFAW Dining Chair from the Moulded Fiberglass Collection, the first ever mass-produced fiberglass furniture line, known for its innovative single-shell design and interchangeable bases

Archetype Forms builds each chair to match the original 1950s specifications and offers custom options. Choose from a range of fiberglass colours, wood finishes, and steel base styles to fit your space.

Shop the Moulded Fiberglass Armchair: Dowel Base, originally designed by Charles & Ray Eames, online in Canada and the USA.

Charles and Ray Eames were American designers who revolutionized 20th-century furniture, industrial design, and architecture. They began their collaborative career in 1941 after meeting at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The Eames are known for their innovation with new materials and technologies in furniture design. Their iconic works include the Moulded Plywood series (1946), the classic Lounge Chair (1956), and the Aluminum Group and Soft Pad series office chairs (1958). The Eames' designs emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and innovation, earning them a permanent place in major museums and archive collections worldwide.

Shell: Dyed-Through Moulded Fiberglass Polyester Resin

Base: Cross Rod Steel Frame in Chromed, Finished, or Powder Coated Steel

Legs: Solid Maple, Ash, or Custom Selection from Archetype Forms

Shock Mounts: Durable Rubber for Stability