It’s safe to say that the Eames Radio was ahead of its time. First created in 1946, it lay in the prototype drawer, never to hit production, critiqued for its then unusual ‘compact shape and austere design’. Forward 70-plus years, the original concept has been revisited by Swiss furniture company Vitra, and Revo, a design manufacturer in digital radio and music streaming devices. Together, they have formed the re-emerged radio, staying true to the Eames' vision, but fitting in with today's tech spec expectations.
Predominantly working over four decades from the early 1940s, husband and wife duo Charles and Ray Eames famously developed a technique to mould plywood in ways that allowed them to construct a variety of malleable products – including radio cabinets. Of course, many Eames radios did go into production, and by 1952, roughly 200,000 radios with cabinets designed by the Eames' had been sold by various manufacturers. But this one, with its highly technical profile, went largely ignored.
The original Eames Radio.
Now, in a limited run, Vitra and Revo have brought the stalwart design into the 21st century. The outer component is made from the plywood Charles and Ray Eames are recognised for, but inside, today’s necessary digital doodahs – Bluetooth connection, anti-theft Kensington lock, DAB/ DAB+ Tuner, multi-country power unit and a charging device – come as standard. This weds tradition and modern technology in a way sympathetic to Eames’ renowned vision for flexible functionality.
The timeless design, much copied, looks unsurprisingly at home in today's noisy home sound showroom. But this is the midcentury original; and true Eames buffs – and speakerheads alike – will be delighted.
INFORMATION
Eames Radio, by Vitra, available from WallpaperSTORE*
-
ICON 4x4 goes EV, giving their classic Bronco-based restomod an electric twistThe EV Bronco is ICON 4x4’s first foray into electrifying its range of bespoke vintage off-roaders and SUVs
-
‘Dressed to Impress’ captures the vivid world of everyday fashion in the 1950s and 1960sA new photography book from The Anonymous Project showcases its subjects when they’re dressed for best, posing for events and celebrations unknown
-
Inside Camperlab’s Harry Nuriev-designed Paris store, a dramatic exercise in contrastThe Crosby Studios founder tells Wallpaper* the story behind his new store design for Mallorcan shoe brand Camperlab, which centres on an interplay between ‘crushed concrete’ and gleaming industrial design
